This research project performs experimental as well as theoretical studies of the mechanisms involved in miniemulsion copolymerization. This study aims at exploring the mechanism and the rate of interparticle monomer transport between miniemulsion droplets and its effect on particle morphology. The results could ultimately be used to predict the conditions (additive concentration and droplet size) under which the transport of one monomer or the other to the site of the polymerization becomes limiting, and thus develop a novel method for regulating the particle morphology and therefore the microstructure of the final copolymer.
