Dispersion polymerisation of divinylbenzene

Particles containing 55% divinylbenzene (DVB) have been prepared using dispersion polymerisation. The steric stabilisers that have been utilised are partially hydrolysed poly(vinyl acetate)s, poly(ethylene oxide) and a poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer in methanolic media. The concentrations of stabiliser, monomer and initiator have been varied to investigate the influence that they have on the particle size and the particle size distribution. The particles have been characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for a visual impression of the particles in addition to laser diffraction particle size analysis and hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC) for particle size. [Continues.]