Polymerization processes and toner compositions therefrom

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What is claimed is: 1.
A free radical polymerization process for the preparation of a thermoplastic resin or resins comprising: heating from about 100.
degree.
to about 160.
degree.
C.
a mixture comprised of a free radical initiator, a stable free radical agent, and at least one polymerizable monomer compound to form said thermoplastic resin or resins with a polydispersity of about 1.
0 to about 2.
0; cooling said mixture; optionally isolating said thermoplastic resin or resins; and optionally washing and drying said thermoplastic resin or resins.
2.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the heating is conducted in a solvent or diluent.
3.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the heating of said mixture is conducted with said mixture as a suspension in water or in a polar liquid which is not miscible with said monomer compound.
4.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the heating of said mixture is conducted with said mixture neat or in the absence of solvent.
5.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic resin product has a polydispersity of from about 1.
1 to about 1.
45 and a monomer to polymer conversion of greater than 50 percent.
6.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the heating is from about 1 to 60 hours.
7.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said polydispersity of said thermoplastic resin remains about constant throughout said polymerization process.
8.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said free radical initiator is selected from the group consisting of organic peroxides, azobisalkylnitriles, peroxycarbonates, and mixtures thereof.
9.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the stable free radical agent is comprised of a nitroxide stable free radical.
10.
A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the stable free radical agent is comprised of nitroxide stable free radicals selected from the group of consisting of 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-pyrrolidinyloxy, derivatives thereof, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy, derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof