Studies on the preparation and characterization of monodisperse polystyrene latices V.: The preparation of cationic latices

Methods are described for the preparation of monodisperse polystyrene latices using as initiators, 2-azo-bis-(2-methylpropamidinium) dichloride and 2-azo-bis-(2′-isopropyliminazolium) dichloride. The preparations were carried out in the absence of any added surface active agents. The effect on particle size of varying initiator concentration, monomer concentration, temperature and ionic strength was examined and the conditions defined for preparing monodisperse latices, with particles in the size range 0.2 to 1μm. Electrophoretic measurements confirmed that the latex particles were cationic. The evidence obtained suggested that the charged sites on the particle surface were amidinium groupings. The latices were not stable at pH values greater than 11 and prolonged heating at 90° also caused coagulation.