Synthesis of polystyrene microspheres via dispersion polymerization and its growth mechanism

Highly monodispersed polystyrene microspheres were synthesized via dispersion polymerization using styrene as monomer, AIBN as initiator, PVP as stabilizer and ethanol and de-ionized water as solvent. Various polystyrene microspheres with the average diameters of 1.17, 1.66, 2.04, 2.26, 2.9 and 3.04μm were obtained. The growth mechanism was investigated and the growth model was established. It was found that the half life of the initiator was the key factor in the process of the polymerization. The PVP was proved to be physically adsorbed on the surface of the polystyrene microsphere.