Polystyrene (PS) particles with a narrow molecular weight distribution were synthesized by dispersion polymerization in alcohol
using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as dispersant and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. Influences of reaction tempreture
reaction time
initiator concentration and monomer concentration on conversion of styrene and molecular weight distribution of PS were researched. Furthermore the morphology
molecular structure
and properties of the PS particles were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM)
gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR)
and thermogravimetry (TG). Results show that the monomer conversion of styrene is up to 87.8%
when the monomer concentration of styrene is 20%
the dosage of initiator is 0.7%
reaction temperature is 75℃
and reaction time is 13h. Under this condition
the spherical PS particles prepared have a good sphericity
a high molecular weight (1.66×10
5
)
and a narrow molecular weight distribution (1.21).