Abstract: The micron-grade PMMA microspheres with narrow size distribution were prepared by dispersion polymerization. The mechanism of the dispersion polymerization was discussed. The factors influencing both the size and size distribution of the microspheres including initial concentrations of the initiator, monomer, stabilizer, the polarity of the medium and the reaction conditions were studied. The results indicated that the size and size distribution of microspheres both increased with initial concentrations of initiator and monomer. Increasing the amount of the stabilizer resulted in decreasing size and narrowing size distribution of microspheres. Other factors such as the polarity of medium and the reaction temperature had great influences too. By controlling these factors, the desired-size monodisperse microspheres could be obtained.

Key words: dispersion polymerization, PMMA microspheres, polymerization mechanism.