Polymer Chemistry

Structure and Dynamics in Polymer Colloids

Polymer colloids are dispersions of polymer particles in a continuous liquid (mostly aqueous) phase. Particle diameters can be between 20 and 2000 nm. Some polymer colloids, such as rubber latex, occur naturally but many of them are made synthetically. Polymer colloids can be made directly via emulsion polymerization whereby a monomer(s) is polymerized via a free radical polymerization process in an aqueous medium in the presence of a stabilizer system but it is also possible to make the colloids from pre-formed polymers by using processes such as phase inversion or precipitation. The application areas for polymer colloids are diverse, including their use as binders in non-woven fabrics and paper coatings, in synthetic rubbers, in interior and exterior paints, in adhesives, as impact modifiers in toughened plastics, as catalytic supports, in a number of medical diagnostic areas etc. This session presents an overview of the preparation, characterization, and applications of polymer colloids, as well as advancements and future challenges in this field.