Dispersions of carbon black in a non-polar medium stabilized by poly(styrene-b-stearyl methacrylate) amphipathic block copolymers

Well characterized poly(styrene-b-stearyl methacrylate) copolymers were synthesized by a living anionic copolymerization process. The polystyrene block of these amphipathic copolymers dissolved in a selective solvent of the poly(stearyl methacrylate) block adsorbs onto carbon black. An experimental isotherm in agreement with the Langmuir equation is observed. Considerations about the area occupied by the copolymers at the carbon black surface in isododecane are in favour of steric stabilization. These copolymers are thus able to stabilize fine and stable carbon black dispersions in isododecane; thus there is a possibility of application in liquid toner electrophotography. © 1990.