Three styrene-based matrices for hybrid composites with ferrite have been obtained by emulsion polymerization in the presence of a tensioactive system: sodium n-dodecylbenzene sulfate (C12H25C6H4SO3Na) as anionic agent and poly(oxyethylene) nonylphenyl ether [C9H19C6H4(OCH2CH2)(30)OH] as nonionic tensioactive agent. The system assures the steadiness of the emulsion during the reaction and the stability of the latices. The surfactants act as a protective colloid component and thickening agents determining an optimum viscosity and conditions for the further catching of the inorganic oxide with magnetic properties. The obtained polystyrene and styrene copolymers with acrylamide and methacrylamide were analyzed by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, DSC, and their viscosity data have been characterized. The size as well as the magnetic properties of composites were also appreciated. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.