Abstract: A process for encapsulation of polar organic solvents with amphiphilic copolymer shell using controlled/living polymerization is provided for the first time. To encapsulate polar core-oils an amphiphilic polymer is required that has low interfacial tensions with both the oil phase and the water phase. For example, Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (PMMA-co-PegMA) was prepared in suspension polymerization conditions using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ATRP ensures that the water soluble comonomer, PegMA, is incorporated into every polymer chain throughout the polymerization reaction so that all chains possess the desired amphiphilic character. Crosslinking of PMMA-co-PegMA with diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DegDMA) yielded hollow capsular particles at 31 mol % PegMA in the terpolymer.

Abstract: Microcapsules or particles of a matrix are formed by interfacial reaction between reactants that can form a membrane, one of the reactants comprising anhydride moieties. These can be used to encapsulate materials, particularly materials for controlled release. Examples include pheromones that are slowly released during the breeding season of insects to control the insect population.

Abstract: A process for encapsulation of polar organic solvents with amphiphilic copolymer shell using controlled/living polymerization is provided for the first time. To encapsulate polar core-oils an amphiphilic polymer is required that has low interfacial tensions with both the oil phase and the water phase. For example, Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (PMMA-co-PegMA) was prepared in suspension polymerization conditions using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ATRP ensures that the water soluble comonomer, PegMA, is incorporated into every polymer chain throughout the polymerization reaction so that all chains possess the desired amphiphilic character. Crosslinking of PMMA-co-PegMA with diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DegDMA) yielded hollow capsular particles at 31 mol % PegMA in the terpolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers comprising phenyl rings pendant from the polymer chains or incorporated therein, wherein the phenyl rings are substituted with aldehyde and/or carboxylic acid functionalities and/or derivatives thereof. Also disclosed is a catalytic oxidation process for producing such polymers from precursor polymers containing benzylic carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of forming cross-linked polymer microspheres, comprising the steps of:forming a reaction mixture essentially free of stabilizer and comprising a polymerization medium, a di-vinyl cross-linking agent, a functional co-monomer which is copolymerizable with said cross-linking agent and a radical initiator, with said cross-linking agent, said functional co-monomer and said initiator being soluble in said polymerization medium;subjecting said reaction mixture to conditions selected to form microspheres with two modes of stabilization, a first being provided by cross-linking, and a second being provided by short stabilizing chains extending outwardly from the microsphere and into said medium, said stabilizing chains having a sufficient concentration of said functional co-monomer to have steric stability in said medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers comprising phenyl rings pendant from the polymer chains or incorporated therein, wherein the phenyl rings are substituted with aldehyde and/or carboxylic acid functionalities and/or derivatives thereof. Also disclosed is a catalytic oxidation process for producing such polymers from precursor polymers containing benzylic carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers comprising phenyl rings pendant from the polymer chains or incorporated therein, wherein the phenyl rings are substituted with aldehyde and/or carboxylic acid functionalities and/or derivatives thereof. Also disclosed is a catalytic oxidation process for producing such polymers from precursor polymers containing benzylic carbon atoms.