Fundamental Aspects of Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene Studied by Reaction Calorimetry: Effect of Initiator Properties on the Reaction Kinetics

摘要

The mechanism and kinetics of emulsion polymerization has been investigated extensively over more than 70 years. Published results have agreed and deviated from the Smith and Ewart model depending on the reaction system studied. Although major advances have been made in the field, the complexity of the emulsion polymerization process leaves room for continuous investigation of process and formulation variables and their effect on the reaction kinetics. The use of equipment and instrumentation that provide online information during the polymerization is advantageous for accurate kinetic studies; such is the case of reaction calorimetry.This study is part of a research project on the fundamentals of emulsion polymerization aimed to gain understanding of the interactions among the different components and process variables and their effect on the nucleation and reaction kinetics evaluated by reaction calorimetry. The investigation of effects of the initiator properties such as electrostatic charge and rate of decomposition was carried out at 50°C using styrene as a model monomer and an electrosteric anionic surfactant Abex EP-110.