Section
Physical Sciences
Abstract
The synthesis of highly monodisperse polystyrene (PS) microspheres via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization process was successfully carried out. Various reaction conditions such as initiator amount, monomer amount, reaction temperature and stirring speed were varied with a view to studying the effects of these polymerization parameters on the particle diameter and colloidal stability of the synthesized PS microspheres. Microscopic analysis revealed that the as-synthesized particles are spherical in shape without any form of agglomeration. Thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA) analysis revealed that the prepared PS sample completely degrades at 465 °C. DLS analysis showed a reduction in the average particle diameters of the as-synthesized PS microspheres as the reaction temperature, stirring speed and initiator amount increased, whereas an increase in average particle diameter was observed with increased monomer amount. Zeta-potential values ranging from –30.10 mV to –39.50 mV, which is indicative of stable colloidal dispersion of particles, were seen for all the synthesized PS samples.
Recommended Citation
Ifijen, Ikhazuagbe H. and Ikhuoria, Esther U.
(2020)
"Monodisperse Polystyrene Microspheres: Studies on the Effects of Reaction Parameters on Particle Diameter and Colloidal Stability,"
Tanzania Journal of Science: Vol. 46:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:https://doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v46i1.3