Suspension polymerization for fabrication of magnetic polystyrene microspheres stabilized with Hitenol BC-20

Polystyrene microspheres were prepared in magnetized form using a modified route of suspension polymerization in which a type of surface-active agent (Hitenol BC-20), that does not affect the interfacial tension significantly, was involved as stabilizer. In such a way, it helps to provide stabilization to styrene monomer drops in a micronized size into an aqueous phase while preserving the size and shape during the course of conducting the polymerization. Particularly, in case the monomer phase contained dispersed organophilic particles of iron oxide; the successful proceeding of such strategy is ensured from the produced uniform size of the microspheres and stable magnetic property. The excellent and stable ferromagnetism acquired by the spheres indicates a good distribution of a small amount of oleophilized nanoparticles. The produced polymer microspheres are expected for potential applications, i.e., diagnostic devices as well as smart materials