Amphiphilic Statistical Copolymers from Catalytic Chain Transfer as Reactive Surfactants in Emulsion Polymerization

Statistical copolymers of methacrylic acid (MAA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA), or lauryl methacrylate (LMA) were synthesized via cobalt(II)-mediated catalytic chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) and used as macromonomeric stabilizers in the emulsion polymerization of MMA. By varying the composition, length, and concentration of the macromonomers, we were able to tune the particle size, molar mass, and rheological behavior of the latexes. Most latexes stabilized with macromonomers containing BMA and LMA showed rheological properties such as small yield stress and shear thinning behavior similar to those of binders for coating applications.