Abstract
Reactive microgel is highly crosslinked fine particle having reactive functional groups on the surface. Its particle size is from 5nm to 500nm. The reactive microgel can be easily prepared by emulsion copolymerization of a divinyl monomer and functional monomers with reactive groups such as carboxy and hydroxy groups.
Features of the reactive microgel are (1) possibility of chemical modification into highly functional new materials (2) dispersibility in organic solvent, and (3) capability of film formation. These may result from the crosslinked structures of particle and the reactive functional groups on surface.
The natural rubber latex vulcanized with sulfur was reviewed as a typical and practical example of the reactive microgel. The reactive microgel of poly (vinyl benzene), immuno latex, and core-shell double layer emulsion were reviewed from the standpoint of emulsion polymerization.
