A process for the preparation of polymers which comprises dissolving an emulsifier in a solvent, followed by heating the mixture formed; adding to the mixture an alkali persulfate initiator dissolved in a solvent; subsequently adding monomer thereto, which monomer is not miscible with said solvent, and wherein the monomer is added after a period of time of from about 1 second to about 60 minutes has elapsed after the addition of said dissolved initiator; and thereafter effecting polymerization.