Magnetic polymer latex and preparation process

Abstract

Magnetic-polymer latex having a concentration of less than 65% by weight of hydrophobic vinyl aromatic polymer particles. The polymer particles have diameters from 0.03 to 5 microns and also have dispersed therein a magnetically-charged material in an amount of from 0.5 to 50% by weight with respect to the polymer portion of the polymer particles. A process for preparing magnetic-polymer latices. Magnetically charged particles are dispersed in an organic phase comprising an organically soluble initiator and an organic monomeric component selected from the group consisting of a single vinyl aromatic monomer and a combination of a single vinyl aromatic monomer and a copolymerizing monomer. The dispersion so obtained is mixed with an aqueous solution containing an emulsifying agent and the mixture is homogenized. Polymerization is then effected to form a magnetic-polymer latex containing hydrophobic vinyl aromatic polymer particle. More organic monomer component may be added immediately prior to or during polymerization. Alternatively, the magnetically-charged material may be dispersed into an organic phase comprising an organically soluble initiator and a water-soluble organic compound. An organic monomeric component is added to the aqueous-organic phase mixture after homogenization and prior to or during polymerization, which is effected to form a magnetic-polymer latex containing hydrophobic polymer particles. The magnetic-polymer latices obtained are useful in paints, magnetic tapes, recordings, and biological applications.

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