Preparation and characterization of nanopigment-poly(styrene-co-w-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) composite particles by high speed homogenization-assisted suspension polymerization

Abstract

Composite particles of nanoblue pigment-poly(styrene-co-n-butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) of controllable size were successfully prepared using high-speed homogenization-assisted suspension polymerization. This composite has potential application as a toner for high-resolution printing. A nanosized hybrid blue pigment, with a monodispersed and uniform spherical shape, was employed for the production of composite particles. The effects of agitation speed, pigment concentration, and anionic surfactant concentration on the properties of the prepared composite particles were investigated. Agitation speed plays an important role in controlling particle size. The prepared composite particles have geometric mean diameters in the range of 4.4-7.4 μm with the geometric standard deviation ranging from 1.23 to 1.33. High-speed homogenization during droplet formation is useful for a reduction in the size of the prepared composite particles. In addition, the appropriate surfactant concentration has a significant effect on the particles' morphology. However, the concentration of the nanopigment did not significantly change either particle morphology or particle size. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.