Polymerizable cationic and zwitterionic dialkyl maleates with different hydrophobic chain lengths (R = C10H21, C12H25, C16H33, C18H37) and different counterions (I, Br, HSO4) for the cationic hydrophilic part, as well as some similar surfactants, dialkyl succinates, were used in batch and seeded emulsion polymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate. All surfactants, when used in emulsion polymerization, provide good stability to the styrene/butyl acrylate latices. A styrene/butyl acrylate latex prepared with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)was used as a reference. Some stability tests for latices were performed, and the glass transition temperatures, as well as the molecular weights of the polymers, were measured. Finally, films from two zwitterionic latices were formed, and mechanical traction tests were performed as well as the measurements of water absorption.