Pigment encapsulation by emulsion polymerization using macro-RAFT copolymers.

A new method is described, based on living amphipathic random macro-RAFT copolymers, which enables the efficient polymeric encapsulation of both inorganic and organic particulate materials via free-radical polymerization. The mechanism for this new approach is examined in the context of the polymer coating of zirconia- and alumina-coated titanium dioxide particles and its breadth of application demonstrated by the coating of organic phthalocyanine blue pigment particles. The particulate materials were first dispersed in water using a macro-RAFT copolymer as a stabilizer.