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

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