ABSTRACT
Spherical latexes of submicron diameter containing a model hydrophobic herbicide, namely, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-propionic acid, were prepared by the concentrated emulsion polymerization method. A mixture of styrene, herbicide, and initiator was dispersed into a small amount of water (6% by volume based on the entire emulsion) containing surfactant, at room temperature. The heating at 40°C of the foam-like gel thus obtained led to the formation of latexes containing the herbicide. It was found that the model herbicide dispersed in the polymer latex was released to water over a period of several weeks and that the amount released was strongly dependent upon temperature and latex concentration in water.
