Showing papers on "Polystyrene published in 2012"
TL;DR: In this paper, a combination of high pressure compression molding plus salt-leaching was first proposed to prepare porous graphene/polystyrene composites, and specific shielding effectiveness was as high as 64.4 dB cm3 g−1, the highest value ever reported for polymer based EMI shielding materials at such a low thickness (2.5 mm).
Abstract: A combination of high-pressure compression molding plus salt-leaching was first proposed to prepare porous graphene/polystyrene composites. The specific shielding effectiveness of the lightweight composite was as high as 64.4 dB cm3 g−1, the highest value ever reported for polymer based EMI shielding materials at such a low thickness (2.5 mm).
491 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that the thinner porous PS oil sorbent film with small diameter and porous surface structure had excellent oil/water selectivity in the cleanup of oil from water.
Abstract: A low-cost, high-oil-adsorption film consisting of polystyrene (PS) fibers is fabricated by a facile electrospinning method. Different fiber diameter and porous fiber’s surface morphology play roles in oil adsorption capacity and oil/water selectivity. The results showed that oil adsorption capacity of PS oil sorbent film with small diameter and porous surface structure for diesel oil, silicon oil, peanut oil and motor oil were approximate to 7.13, 81.40, 112.30, and 131.63 g/g, respectively. It was higher than normal fibrous sorbent without any porous structure. The thinner porous PS oil sorbent also had excellent oil/water selectivity in the cleanup of oil from water.
389 citations
TL;DR: In this article, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polystyrene (PS) composites were injection molded into a mold equipped with three different cavities.
284 citations
TL;DR: N nanoporous polystyrene fibers prepared via a one-step electrospinning process used as oil sorbents for oil spill cleanup and have great potential for use in wastewater treatment, oil accident remediation and environmental protection.
265 citations
TL;DR: The conjunction of porous ZIF-8 with polystyrene spheres is demonstrated to induce the formation ofpolystyrene@Zif-8 core-shell structures, resulting in a unique hollow Z IF-8.
218 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a two-step in situ reduction technique was proposed for polystyrene/reduced graphene oxide (PS/r-GO) composites, which consists of a hydrazine hydrate reduction and a subsequent thermal reduction at 200 °C for 12 h. The results show that the GO sheets are well dispersed and ultimately form a continuous network structure in the polymer matrix.
Abstract: Polymer/graphene composites have attracted much attention due to their unique organic–inorganic hybrid structure and exceptional properties. In this paper, we report the synthesis of polystyrene/reduced graphene oxide (PS/r-GO) composites by a two-step in situ reduction technique, which consists of a hydrazine hydrate reduction and a subsequent thermal reduction at 200 °C for 12 h. The structure and micromorphology of PS/r-GO composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the GO can be efficiently reduced by the two-step in situ reduction method, and the r-GO sheets are well dispersed and ultimately form a continuous network structure in the polymer matrix. PS/r-GO composite films (5 wt% GO) are prepared by the hot press molding method, possessing a conductivity as high as 22.68 S m−1. The superior conductivity arises from the high reduction degree of GO and its high dispersion and the formation of a network structure in the polymer matrix. These polymer/r-GO composites are expected to be applied in multiple electric devices. The techniques for preparing polymer/r-GO composite films could be further extended to other similar systems.
216 citations
TL;DR: The synthesis and self-assembly of block copolymers composed of naturally derived oligosaccharides coupled to a silicon-containing polystyrene derivative synthesized by activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization are described.
Abstract: Block copolymers demonstrate potential for use in next-generation lithography due to their ability to self-assemble into well-ordered periodic arrays on the 3–100 nm length scale. The successful lithographic application of block copolymers relies on three critical conditions being met: high Flory–Huggins interaction parameters (χ), which enable formation of <10 nm features, etch selectivity between blocks for facile pattern transfer, and thin film self-assembly control. The present paper describes the synthesis and self-assembly of block copolymers composed of naturally derived oligosaccharides coupled to a silicon-containing polystyrene derivative synthesized by activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. The block copolymers have a large χ and a low degree of polymerization (N) enabling formation of 5 nm feature diameters, incorporate silicon in one block for oxygen reactive ion etch contrast, and exhibit bulk and thin film self-assembly of hexagonally packed cylind...
203 citations
TL;DR: A facile and efficient approach was developed to simultaneously functionalize and reduce graphene oxide (GO) with p-phenylene diamine (PPD) by simple refluxing by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of epoxide groups of GO with amine groups of PPD aided by NH(3) solution.
Abstract: A facile and efficient approach was developed to simultaneously functionalize and reduce graphene oxide (GO) with p-phenylene diamine (PPD) by simple refluxing. This was possible by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of epoxide groups of GO with amine groups of PPD aided by NH3 solution. As a consequence, electrical conductivity of GO-PPD increased to 2.1 × 102 S/m, which was nearly 9 orders of magnitude higher than that of GO. Additionally, after the incorporation of GO-PPD in polystyrene (PS), the composites exhibited a sharp transition from electrically insulating to conducting behavior with a low percolation threshold of ∼0.34 vol %, which was attributed to the improved dispersion and the reduction of GO-PPD. Thermal stability of the PS/GO-PPD composite was also ∼8 °C higher than that of PS.
193 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the emulsion polymerization of styrene in the presence of hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid-co-poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate), macromolecular RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) agents possessing a trithiocarbonate reactive group and 19 ethylene oxide subunits in the grafts was performed to create in situ P(MAA-co -PEOMA)-b-polystyrene amphiphilic block copolymer self-assemblies.
Abstract: The emulsion polymerization of styrene in the presence of hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid-co-poly(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate), P(MAA-co-PEOMA), macromolecular RAFT (reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer) agents possessing a trithiocarbonate reactive group and 19 ethylene oxide subunits in the grafts was performed to create in situ P(MAA-co-PEOMA)-b-polystyrene amphiphilic block copolymer self-assemblies. The system was studied using the following conditions: a pH of 5, two different compositions of the MAA/PEOMA units (50/50 and 67/33, mol/mol), different molar masses of the macroRAFT agents, and various concentrations of the latter targeting different molar masses for the polystyrene block. This work completes a previous one performed at pH 3.5, under otherwise similar experimental conditions, for which only spherical particles were obtained [Zhang et al. Macromolecules2011, 44, 7584]. For both MAA/PEOMA compositions, the system led to different nano-object morphologies such a...
178 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a coarse-grained (CG) potentials obtained via iterative Boltzmann inversion (IBI) were parametrized and validated on polystyrene of 2 kDa (i.e., chains containing 20 monomers).
Abstract: Silica nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in atactic polystyrene (PS) are simulated using coarse-grained (CG) potentials obtained via iterative Boltzmann inversion (IBI) The potentials are parametrized and validated on polystyrene of 2 kDa (ie, chains containing 20 monomers) It is shown that the CG potentials are transferable between different systems The structure of the polymer chains is strongly influenced by the NP Layering, chain expansion, and preferential orientation of segments as well as of entire chains are found The extent of the structural perturbation depends on the details of the system: bare NPs vs NPs grafted with PS chains, grafting density (0, 05, and 1 chains/nm2), length of the grafted chains (2 and 8 kDa), and the matrix chains (2–20 kDa) For example, there is a change in the swelling state for the grafted corona (8 kDa, 1 chains/nm2), when the matrix polymer is changed from 2 to > 8 kDa This phenomenon, sometimes called “wet brush to dry brush transition”, is in good agreement wi
171 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a polystyrene copolymerization of styrene and N-2-(3′,4′-ditriethylsilyloxyphenyl)ethyl methacrylamide is described.
Abstract: In gelation chemistry, catechol groups are used as cross-linking points. Both oxidation and coordination effects of catechol were investigated for their unique features in chemistry by spectroscopic measurements. Polystyrene copolymers containing catechol groups were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of styrene and N-2-(3′,4′-ditriethylsilyloxyphenyl)ethyl methacrylamide, and the successive deprotection reaction was catalyzed by tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride. The copolymer containing catechol units afforded a dual cross-linking system based on completely different coordination and oxidation chemistries, and the competing cross-linking mechanisms are discussed. These findings are useful and important for paving the way for designing a novel bioinspired artificial adhesive surface coating and curing system.
TL;DR: In this paper, a facile process termed Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) was used to generate polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of several different molecular weights.
Abstract: Aside from polymerization techniques, polymer nanoparticles can be generated through the displacement of a solvent with a nonsolvent, i.e., nanoprecipitation. In this study, we utilize a facile process termed Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) to generate polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of several different molecular weights. As compared to PS nanoparticles synthesized by surfactant free emulsion polymerization, nanoparticles prepared by FNP show comparable size distributions when the diameter is less than 150 nm. Furthermore, we illustrate that the sizes of PS nanoparticles prepared by FNP can be fine-tuned by changing the polymer and/or electrolyte concentration. The stabilized nanoparticles contain only the radically polymerized polymer chains, which have sulfate anions at the chain termini and no additional external stabilizers. Calculations of the mechanism of particle formation and stabilization show that the size-dependent electrostatic repulsions between nanoparticles and single collapsed polymer chains control assembly and monodispersity. The ability to independently vary polymer molecular weight and nanoparticle size will enable fundamental studies of the effect of confinement on polymer dynamics in a way not easily achievable by other techniques.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of polymer-graft modification on the structure formation and mechanical characteristics of inorganic (silica) nanoparticle solids is evaluated as a function of the degree of polymerization of surface-grafted chains.
Abstract: The effect of polymer-graft modification on the structure formation and mechanical characteristics of inorganic (silica) nanoparticle solids is evaluated as a function of the degree of polymerization of surface-grafted chains. A transition from ‘hard-sphere-like’ to ‘polymer-like’ mechanical characteristics of particle solids is observed for increasing degree of polymerization of grafted chains. The elastic modulus of particle solids increases by about 200% and levels off at intermediate molecular weights of surface-grafted chains, a trend that is rationalized as a consequence of the elastic modulus being determined by dispersion interactions between the polymeric grafts. A pronounced increase (of about one order of magnitude) of the fracture toughness of particle solids is observed as the degree of polymerization of grafted chains exceeds a threshold value that is similar for both polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) grafts. The increased resistance to fracture is interpreted as a consequence of the existence of entanglements between surface-grafted chains that give rise to energy dissipation during fracture through microscopic plastic deformation and craze formation. Within the experimental uncertainty the transition to polymer-like deformation characteristics is captured by a mean field scaling model that interprets the structure of the polymer shell of polymer-grafted particles as effective ‘two-phase’ systems consisting of a stretched inner region and a relaxed outer region. The model is applied to predict the minimum degree of polymerization needed to induce polymer-like mechanical characteristics and thus to establish ‘design criteria’ for the synthesis of polymer-modified particles that are capable of forming mechanically robust and formable particle solid structures.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report evolving pore formation in both surface and interior structures of polystyrene (PS) fibers electrospun from solutions of dimethylformamide (DMF), as low, and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as high volatile solvents.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of the nanoparticle curvature and grafting density on the mean square displacement of free polystyrene chains and also the mean relaxation time of various intramolecular vectors was investigated as a function of separation from the surface.
Abstract: The chain and segmental dynamics of free and grafted 20-monomer atactic polystyrene chains surrounding a silica nanoparticle have been investigated employing atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of the nanoparticle curvature and grafting density on the mean square displacement of free polystyrene chains and also on the mean relaxation time of various intramolecular vectors was investigated as a function of separation from the surface. Confinement, reduced surface curvature, and densification resulted in a reduction of the mean square displacement and an increase in the mean relaxation time of the Cα–H bond vector and chain end-to-end vector in the vicinity of the surface. Depending on the property investigated, the thickness of the interphase, i.e., the distance beyond which the polymer has bulk behavior, varies between 1 and 3 nm, corresponding to 1–3 radii of gyration of the bulk polymer. Therefore, the presence of a surface has a significant influence on the dynamics of the surrounding ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors quantified the stability of polystyrene-grafted silica nanoparticles (NPs) in PS matrices with ultrasmall angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and developed a phase diagram to predict NP dispersion based on the graft polymer density, σ, and the graft and free polymer molecular weights, or N and P, respectively.
Abstract: We quantified the stability of polystyrene- (PS-) grafted silica nanoparticles (NPs) in PS matrices with ultrasmall angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and developed a phase diagram to predict NP dispersion based on the graft polymer density, σ, and the graft and free polymer molecular weights, or N and P, respectively. Using controlled/living polymerizations, polymer nanocomposites were formulated with silica NPs of radius, R = 9 nm where σ = 0.10–0.70 chains/nm2 at an essentially constant N = 61–68 kg/mol. The matrix molecular weight was varied from P = 37–465 kg/mol permitting us to vary the swelling ratio, P/N = 0.6–7.7. Using USAXS and TEM, we determined whether the PS-grafted NPs were stable and dispersed uniformly, or were unstable and aggregated within the matrix. From these measurements we developed a phase diagram for NP miscibility with respect to σ, P, and N to determine the allophobic and autophobic transitions that correspond to the wetting the drying of...
TL;DR: The dry transfer exploits an azide linker molecule to establish a covalent bond to graphene and to generate greater graphene-polymer adhesion compared to that of the graphene-metal foil.
Abstract: In this paper we demonstrate high-quality, uniform dry transfer of graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition on copper foil to polystyrene. The dry transfer exploits an azide linker molecule to e...
TL;DR: It is shown that ductility can be substantially increased, while maintaining gains in the elastic modulus and yield stress, in glassy nanocomposite films composed of spherical silica NPs grafted with polystyrene (PS) chains in a PS matrix.
Abstract: It is commonly accepted that the addition of spherical nanoparticles (NPs) cannot simultaneously improve the elastic modulus, the yield stress, and the ductility of an amorphous glassy polymer matrix. In contrast to this conventional wisdom, we show that ductility can be substantially increased, while maintaining gains in the elastic modulus and yield stress, in glassy nanocomposite films composed of spherical silica NPs grafted with polystyrene (PS) chains in a PS matrix. The key to these improvements are (i) uniform NP spatial dispersion and (ii) strong interfacial binding between NPs and the matrix, by making the grafted chains sufficiently long relative to the matrix. Strikingly, the optimal conditions for the mechanical reinforcement of the same nanocomposite material in the melt state is completely different, requiring the presence of spatially extended NP clusters. Evidently, NP spatial dispersions that optimize material properties are crucially sensitive to the state (melt versus glass) of the polymeric material.
TL;DR: A novel route to prepare core-shell structured nanocomposites with excellent dielectric performance is reported, which involves the grafting of polystyrene (PS) from the surface of BaTiO(3) by an in situ RAFT polymerization.
Abstract: A novel route to prepare core-shell structured nanocomposites with excellent dielectric performance is reported. This approach involves the grafting of polystyrene (PS) from the surface of BaTiO(3) by an in situ RAFT polymerization. The core-shell structured PS/BaTiO(3) nanocomposites not only show significantly increased dielectric constant and very low dielectric loss, but also have a weak frequency dependence of dielectric properties over a wide range of frequencies. In addition, the dielectric constant of the nanocomposites can also be easily tuned by varying the thickness of the PS shell. Our method is very promising for preparing high-performance nanocomposites used in energy-storage devices.
TL;DR: In this article, graphite oxide, graphene, ZrO2-loaded graphene and β-Ni(OH)2loaded graphene (joint appellation: Gs) were prepared and incorporated into polystyrene so as to improve the fire safety properties.
Abstract: Graphite oxide, graphene, ZrO2-loaded graphene and β-Ni(OH)2-loaded graphene (joint appellation: Gs) were prepared and incorporated into polystyrene so as to improve the fire safety properties of polystyrene. By the masterbatch-melt blending technique, Gs nanolayers were well dispersed and exfoliated in polystyrene as thin layers (thickness 0.7–2 nm). The fire safety properties were visibly improved, including an increased thermal degradation temperature (18 °C, PS/Ni–Gr-2), decreased peak heat release rate (40%, PS/Zr–Gr-2) and reduced CO concentration (54%, PS/Ni–Gr-2). The mechanism for the improved thermal stability and fire safety properties was investigated based on this study and previous works. The physical barrier effect of graphene, the interaction between graphene and polystyrene, and the synergistic effect of the metal compounds are the causes for the improvements.
TL;DR: A series of polystyrene graft-PEG 6000 copolymers were synthesized as new kinds of polymeric solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) as discussed by the authors.
TL;DR: In this article, temperature-ramping anisotropy measurements were used to probe the molecular mobility of fluorescent probes in polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(2-vinyl pyridine) films supported upon silicon wafers with native oxide coatings.
Abstract: Temperature-ramping anisotropy measurements were used to probe the molecular mobility of fluorescent probes in polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(2-vinyl pyridine) films supported upon silicon wafers with native oxide coatings. All polymer films showed evidence of high mobility at the free surface. The fraction of a film with high mobility was characterized as a mobile surface layer thickness, which increased with temperature. The mobile surface layer thickness for supported films of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) reasonably matched that previously deduced from freestanding films of these polymers; for poly(methyl methacrylate), enhanced mobility extends about 4 nm into the film from the free surface at Tg. For supported polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) films, the results are consistent with no decrease in mobility near the solid substrate but do not eliminate this possibility. On the other hand, the mobility of supported poly(2-vinyl pyridine) thin films provides some evidence for slower-than-bulk relaxation near the solid substrate.
TL;DR: In this paper, a self-assembled graphene/carbon nanotube (CNT)/polystyrene hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by water-based in situ microemulsion polymerization.
TL;DR: The authors report the ability to push, pull, and rotate individual polystyrene microbeads on a solid surface and targeted delivery of biological samples, implying that rotating magnetic nanowires are good tools for handling cellular and subcellular objects.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measured and visualized the interactions between two polystyrene surfaces in different electrolyte solutions (i.e., NaCl, CaCl2, HCl and CH3COOH).
Abstract: The hydrophobic interaction plays a critical role in a wide range of molecular phenomena in numerous biological and engineering systems. Using a Surface Forces Apparatus (SFA) coupled with a top-view optical microscope, we have directly measured and visualized the interactions between two polystyrene surfaces in different electrolyte solutions (i.e., NaCl, CaCl2, HCl and CH3COOH). It is evident that the long-range hydrophobic interaction measured is due to bridging of microscopic and sub-microscopic bubbles on polystyrene surfaces. The range of the hydrophobic interaction decreases with increasing the electrolyte concentration for NaCl and CaCl2, but shows no significant change for HCl and CH3COOH, which is related to the formation and stability of bubbles on hydrophobic surfaces due to the ion specificity. The range of the hydrophobic interactions was reduced to about 10–20 nm by degassing the aqueous solutions, but gradually recovered when re-exposing the degassed solution to air. Our results indicate that dissolved gasses in solutions play a crucial role in the hydrophobic interactions of polymer surfaces, and support a three-regime hydrophobic interaction model proposed. More interesting, spontaneous cavitation of water between two interacting polystyrene surfaces was directly observed in degassed aqueous solution at a separation of ≤20 nm. The interfacial energy of polystyrene in various aqueous solutions was determined to be γ = 42 ± 5 mJ m−2, close to the values measured in air. Interesting fracture patterns were also observed associated with the separation of two hydrophobic polymer surfaces in aqueous solutions, but not in air, indicating that hydrophobic force plays an important role in adhesion-induced fracture of polymer surfaces and thin films. Our study provides new insight into the basic hydrophobic interaction mechanism of polymers and biomacromolecules.
TL;DR: In this article, a one-pot cascade approach by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was used to produce dynamic nanomaterials capable of reversibly demonstrating the properties of both linear and highly branched macromolecules.
TL;DR: In this paper, the surface properties of mixed bottlebrush polymer (MBBPs) films were investigated using a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) approach, and the resulting surface properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), water contact angle measurements, and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Abstract: Bottlebrush polymer thin films may be attractive for the preparation of antifouling and/or stimuli-responsive surface coatings due to the high grafting density and conformational flexibility of polymeric side chains, but bottlebrush polymer thin films have not been previously reported and their surface properties are unknown. Herein, we report a study of the surface properties of mixed bottlebrush polymer (MBBPs) films. MBBPs with hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) side chains are synthesized using a “grafting-through” ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) approach. Stimuli-responsive MBBPs films are prepared by spin-casting a solution of MBBPs onto a solid surface, and the resulting film morphology and surface properties are characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), water contact angle measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The water contact angles of MBBPs films decrease or ...
TL;DR: The experimental data showed that the low cost PCU and large tablet polymer-coated urea with good controlled-release capacities, being economical and eco-friendly, could be promising for wide use in agriculture and horticulture.
Abstract: Polymer-coated urea (PCU) has great potential for increasing crop production and enhancing nitrogen (N) fertilizer use efficiency, benefiting the ecosystem. However, current PCUs are used only in a limited market, and the main obstacle to the wider use of PCUs is high cost compared to that of conventional N fertilizers. In this study, the low cost PCU and large tablet polymer-coated urea (LTPCU) were prepared by using recycling polystyrene foam and various sealants as the coating materials. The structural and chemical characteristics of the coating shells of the coated fertilizers were examined. The N release characteristics of coated fertilizers were determined in 25 °C water under laboratory conditions. The relationship between the N release longevity and the amount of coating material and the percentage of different sealants were evaluated. The results indicated that recycling polystyrene foam was the ideal coating material of the controlled release fertilizer. The polyurethane that was synthesized by ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors take into consideration four commercial PLA films, natural and surface modified, to make a correlation between mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties due to the surface modification, to well understand whether PLA is adapt to packaging application, especially in the food field.
Abstract: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is now a very attractive polymer for food packaging application because in addition of being thermoplastic, biodegradable, compostable, and produced from renewable resources, it shows same behavior in mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties comparable to the most used synthetic polymers like polystyrene and poly(ethylene terephthalate). In this work, we take into consideration four commercial PLA films, natural- and surface-modified, to make a correlation between mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties due to the surface modification, to well understand whether PLA is adapt to packaging application, especially in the food field. Films were studied by tensile testing, simultaneous differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, permeation to carbon dioxide and oxygen at different temperature (7 and 23°C) and FTIR spectroscopic analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, CO2 stimuli-responsive polystyrene latexes having a solids content of 27% were prepared in a surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (SFEP) under a CO2 atmosphere, employing only commercially available chemical compounds: styrene, the initiator VA-061, and 0.54 mol % of the CO2-switchable comonomer DEAEMA.
Abstract: CO2 stimuli-responsive polystyrene latexes having a solids content of 27% were prepared in a surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (SFEP) under a CO2 atmosphere, employing only commercially available chemical compounds: styrene, the initiator VA-061, and 0.54 mol % of the CO2-switchable comonomer DEAEMA. The resulting polymer particles are 230–300 nm in diameter and are monodisperse (PDI ≤ 0.054), as confirmed by DLS, TEM, and SEM. Although they are stable under a CO2 atmosphere, the latexes can be easily destabilized by the bubbling of air through the sample at 40 °C, allowing for recovery of the particles by filtration. Recovered polymer particles can be dried to powder and readily redispersed in carbonated water, yielding latexes with very similar zeta-potential and particle size as the original latexes. In addition, the bicarbonate salt of poly(DEAEMA) formed during the polymerization has been found to act as a CO2-switchable flocculant, thus, facilitating the coagulation of the latex without alteri...