A light-sensitive diazosulfonate surfactant as emulsifier for emulsion polymerization

Abstract A light-sensitive diazosulfonate surfactant (Ar-N=N-SO3 −) was applied as emulsifier for emulsion polymerization. The resulting latex was photosensitive and coagulated during irradiation. Since photolysis of the anionic diazosulfonate surfactant in water occurs mainly via the corresponding cationic diazonium amphiphile (Ar-N2 +) it is concluded that a mutually charge neutralization on the latex surface could promote coagulation during photolysis. Quantitative analysis of the diazosulfonate and of the diazonium salt during irradiation and the coagulation behavior of the latex support this view.