Maleic diamide polymerizable surfactants. Applications in emulsion polymerization

Abstract A series of new polymerizable non-ionic and ionic surfactants (surfmers) with amides groups on both sides of the C=C double bonds have been prepared upon reaction of maleic isoimide carrying a long alkyl chain (or a benzyl group) with a hydrophilic amine derivative. Their critical micellar concentration (CMC) was measured with a surface tensiometer. They have been engaged in batch emulsion polymerization of styrene, and semi-batch seeded copolymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate, giving stable latexes during the polymerization process, and upon extraction with ethanol, showing a high rate of incorporation at the particle surface. However these surfmers do not confer good steri…