Performing free radical polymerization in aqueous environments is of great interest in fundamental polymer science as well as scalability at the industry level. This thesis focuses on free radical polymerization in water, using techniques of emulsion polymerization and semi-batch polymerization to prepare functional polymer particles and interface-active agents. In the Introductory chapter, Chapter 1, fundamental considerations of free radical polymerization in aqueous media are described. This is followed by the key role of free radical polymerization in heterogeneous polymerization methods, such as emulsion polymerization and the complexities associated with the preparation of functional polymer particles. The focus then shifts to fundamental aspects associated with employing free radical polymerization in “semi-batch” techniques. The introductory chapter is followed by two chapters comprising the core of my thesis research involving free radical polymerization and polymer particles containing neutral, charged or zwitterionic monomers. In Chapter 2, the synthesis of alkyne-rich, patchy polymer colloidal particles is described, using the key synthetic technique of surfactant free emulsion polymerization (SFEP). Polymer colloids synthesized by this technique were subjected to azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions to alter the functionality on the particle surface and interior. In Chapter 3, the focus shifts to the preparation of hydrophilic polymers containing both charged and uncharged moieties by semi-batch free radical polymerization in water, with the resultant polymers anticipated to serve as useful interface-active agents.