Synthesis of PMMA Nanospheres

For full procedure visit: education.mrsec.wisc.edu Monodispersed polymethylmethacrylate spheres are synthesized from the emulsion polymerization of a rapidly stirred aqueous suspension of methyl methacrylate. 2,2-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride is a heat activated water soluble free radical initiator so the emulsion droplets polymerize starting from their outer edge. The small uniform diameter particles should appear irridescent if they are close-packed and their size is similar to the wavelength of visible light.