Poly(vinyl alcohol)-controlled synthesis of monodispersed crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) microparticles with significantly improved mechanical properties

A facile synthesis concept focusing on the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) concentration induced interfacial energy effects in seed swelling polymerization was realized for the successful fabrication of a series of monodispersed poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microparticles with four crosslinking agents, 2,2-bis[(methacryloyloxy)methyl]butyl methacrylate, 1,2-ethanediyl bis(2-methylacrylate), 1,3-divinylbenzene and 1,2-ethanediyl diacetate. We revealed a special role of PVA in regulating the diffusion of crosslinking agents as well as the swelling degree of latex seeds and, more noticeably, the consequent improved mechanical properties of the crosslinked PMMA microparticles formed. The highest recovery rate obtained from the PMMA microparticles with 0.6 wt% PVA approached 67%, which is higher than or comparable to reported values. This work not only developed a new facile synthesis approach for producing highly uniform tough crosslinked PMMA microparticles for more potential applications but also provided valuable insights into fundamental aspects of seed swelling polymerization.