Poly(isobutylene) nanoparticles via cationic polymerization in nonaqueous emulsions.

The preparation of poly(isobutylene) (PIB) nanoparticles via cationic emulsion polymerization is presented. As a requirement, an oil-in-perfluoroalkane nonaqueous emulsion is developed, which is inert under the carbocationic polymerization conditions. To stabilize the dichloromethane/hexane droplets in the fluorinated, continuous phase, an amphiphilic block copolymer emulsifier is prepared containing PIB and 1H,1H-perfluoroalkylated poly(pentafluorostyrene) blocks.