Synthesis of sub-micronic and nanometric PMMA particles via emulsion polymerization assisted by ultrasound: Process flow sheet and characterization.

PMMA particle synthesis was performed from MMA (methyl methacrylate) and water mixtures, exposed to different ultrasonic systems and frequencies. The sonication sequence was 20kHz→580kHz→858kHz→1138kHz, and the solution was sampled after each irradiation step for polymerization. Effects of sonication parameters (time, power), polymerization method (thermo-initiated or photo-initiated), use of small amounts of surfactant (Triton X-100™ or Tween® 20) and initial MMA quantity were investigated on particle size and synthesis yields.