Classically, emulsion polymers are prepared using surfactants of appropriate HLB values to achieve the emulsion state. As was stated earlier, a surfactant may be any molecule which contains a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophillic portion.
A wide range of ‘microemulsions’ is commercially available. They are manufactured using, for example, a surface active alkali soluble acrylic, or styrene acrylic polymer as the surfactants. This technique eliminates the requirement for conventional stabilising surfactants.
The composition and molecular weight of the stabiliser component are important factors which require careful selection and control.