Ultrasound initiated miniemulsion polymerization of methacrylate monomers.

The ultrasound initiated emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (2EHMA) in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate as a stabiliser produced latex particles in the size range of 70 nm to 110 nm with molecular weights of the order of 2-6 x 10(6) g mol(-1). The experimental data obtained show significant differences in the rates of polymerization of the methacrylate monomers in the order 2EHMA>BMA>MMA. The rate trend is discussed with respect to the physicochemical properties of the monomers. It is suggested from the results obtained that the mechanism involved in sonochemical formation of the latex particles is very similar to that of a conventional miniemulsion polymerization process.