Precipitation polymerization of divinylbenzene: An investigation of the particle formation mechanism

The nucleation mechanism of the precipitation polymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) was investigated. The nucleation stage of polymerization proceeded through transient microgel particles. The microgels acted as the nuclei for the growth of microspheres observed later in the reaction. These microspheres were efficient scavengers of active radicals, and thus prevented the formation of new generations of microgels.