Coupling Raman spectroscopy and drop tensiometry for in situ monitoring of radical polymerization in a single monomer droplet

Two complementary analytical techniques, Raman spectroscopy and drop tensiometry, were coupled in an original homemade experimental setup for in situ monitoring of radical polymerization in a single monomer droplet. Homopolymerizations of styrene and methyl methacrylate initiated by 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile in a single droplet surrounded by an aqueous medium containing sodium dodecylsulfate were investigated. Monomer conversion (from Raman spectroscopy) and interfacial properties (interfacial tension and dilational moduli, from drop tensiometry) were simultaneously acquired in situ. Raman spectroscopy and drop tensiometry were coupled in an original homemade experimental setup for in situ monitoring of radical polymerization in a single monomer droplet.