Preparation and Characterization of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Microbeads by Dispersion Polymerization: Effects of the Medium Composition, Monomer Concentration, Thermal, and Optical Properties

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the relationship between particle size, particle distribution, thermal, and optical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) microbeads using dispersion polymerization under various methanol/water (MeOH/H2O) dispersion medium ratios and methyl methacrylate acid concentrations. The particle size of the poly(methyl methacrylate) microbeads increased when the medium solubility and monomer concentration increased simultaneously. In addition, the molecular weight and polydispersity of the poly(methyl methacrylate) microbeads were increased as the methanol ratio increased. The refractive index increased as the content of the poly(methyl methacrylate) microbeads increased with wavelengths of 546 and 589 nm.