Micron-sized polymeric microsphere by suspension polymerization

A new suspension polymerization process that generates narrow-size distribution and spherical particles in the range of 3–10 microns is described. In the new process, the monomer and water phases are held in separate vessels and fed at an accurate rate to a mechanical disperser, where small, uniform droplets of monomer are formed. The monomer droplets are then fed to a reaction vessel where the monomer is polymerized. The size of the polymerized particles can be effectively controlled by adjusting the disperser speed. A scanning electron microscope was employed to show the spherical nature of the particles. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.