Functionalization of poly methylstyrene latex particles in an emulsifier-free system

Ž . Ž . Poly methylstyrene PMS latex particles in an emulsifier-free emulsion were first synthesized by using 2,29-azobisŽ . Ž . 2-amidinopropane dihydrochloride V-50 as an initiator. Purification of the latexes by dialysis was followed in Ž . order to remove residual monomer, initiator and electrolytes. The cationic poly methylstyrene latexes were then oxidized in the presence of t-butyl hydroperoxide catalyzed by copper chloride at 608C under air. The degree of Ž . oxidation increased with reaction time, but the emulsions of highly oxidized poly methylstyrene latexes were found to be unstable. An increase of oxidant concentration enhanced the rate of oxidation, while the catalyst concentration Ž had little influence on it. The effect of reaction temperature and pH value on the catalytic oxidation of poly methyl. styrene latexes was also investigated. Q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. Ž .