Miniemulsion polymerization and the structure of polymer and hybrid nanoparticles.

The miniemulsion process allows the formation of complex structured polymeric nanoparticles and the encapsulation of a solid or liquid, an inorganic or organic, or a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material into a polymer shell. Many different materials, ranging from organic and inorganic pigments, magnetite, or other solid nanoparticles, to hydrophobic and hydrophilic liquids, such as fragrances, drugs, or photoinitators, can be encapsulated. Functionalization of the nanoparticles can also be easily obtained. Compared to polymerization processes in organic solvents, polymerization to obtain polymeric nanoparticles can be performed in environmentally friendly solvents, usually water.