Monodisperse and multilayer core–shell latex via surface cross-linking emulsion polymerization

We describe a method for the synthesis of phase-separated polymer latex with a monodisperse and multilayer core–shell (MMLCS) morphology by surface cross-linking emulsion polymerization. Poly(butyl acrylate)(PBA) was used for the seed and the core of the latex, the inner shell was poly(butyl acrylate-styrene) cross-linked with divinylbenzene (DVB) to avoid phase inversion, and the poly(methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate) was the outer shell. TEM, DSC, DLS were used to characterize this MMLCS emulsion. The multilayer core–shell structure was clearly shown in TEM micrographs, and the three-phase separation was confirmed by DSC analysis. DLS analysis showed that the average diameters and shell thicknesses of MMLCS latex were about 127 nm, 13 nm and 12 nm, which agreed with TEM micrograph measurements of 126 nm, 14 nm, and 14 nm, respectively.