2.2.1 Synthesis of epoxy-functionalized magnetic colloidal particles
Magnetic latex particles with a magnetic core and epoxy-functionalized polymer shell were prepared by the co-polymerization of DVB and GMA monomers at DVB: GMA volume ratio (2:1). The reaction was conducted by batch emulsion polymerization in the presence of o/w magnetic emulsion droplets as the seed. Briefly, DVB and GMA monomers were charged into a 100mL three-necked flask reactor containing Fe3O4 magnetic emulsion (total solid 1.4 gm). The reaction was carried out at 70oC with stirring rate 300 r.p.m. and under N2 atmosphere in the presence of the water-soluble initiator potassium persulfate (KPS). The reaction was allowed to proceed for 24 h and then terminated by cooling at room temperature. The prepared magnetic colloidal particles were filtered using glass wool fibers to remove any coarse particles before further analysis.