Emulsion polymerization is a typical method applied in surface chemistry. Polymer particles obtained from radical polymerization of monomer, surfactant and initiator in water are usually in the submicron range. The polymer emulsion, called ‘latex’ or just ‘emulsion’, is widely used in industries such as paint, ink, adhesives, cement, construction, paper, textile, etc. (Figure 1). In recent years, research has focused across the various areas of surface chemistry, especially for emulsion polymerization of hybrid composite particles. In addition, the evolution of mini-emulsion polymerization1,2 and micro-emulsion polymerization3 has taken place in a field of functional polymers such as those used for electronic materials, toners and liquid crystal spacers. This article discusses the mechanism of emulsion polymerization using reactive emulsifiers, and their role is described with a focus on superiority in water resistance and adhesion properties.