A mathematical model for a semicontinuous seeded cationic emulsion polymerization was developed. The model includes the most distinctive features of the copolymerization of a cationic hydrophilic monomer with a hydrophobic one, including polymerization of the hydrophilic monomer in the outer shell of polymer particles and in the aqueous phase, and the possibility of having radical concentration profiles in the polymer particles. The reactions were carried out by means of a semicontinuous seeded cationic emulsion polymerization under starved conditions for styrene, which was the main monomer employed. The model predicts the evolution of the fractional overall conversions, the thickness of the outer shell. the total surface charge density and the partial conversions for the semicontinuous seeded cationic emulsion polymerization of styrene and aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride. Furthermore, the model can distinguish between the surface charge density provided by the cationic monomer than that given by the cationic initiator. Therefore, this model can predict the best conditions to obtain well-defined latexes with specific amounts of surface amino and amidine groups useful for immunoassays. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.