Abstract
This chapter focuses on the special characteristics that can be distinguished in an emulsion polymerisation related to rate, development of molar mass and chemical composition. An emulsion polymerisation comprises water, an initiator (usually water-soluble), a water-insoluble monomer and a colloidal stabiliser, which may be added or may be formed in situ. During the progress of the polymerisation, three distinct intervals can be observed. Interval 1 is the initial stage where particle formation takes place. Several mechanisms of particle nucleation have been proposed. Interval 2 is characterised by a constant number of particles (the polymerisation locus) and the presence of monomer droplets. Interval 3 begins with the disappearance of monomer droplets, after which the monomer concentrations in both the particle and water phases decrease continuously. The chapter also talks about the emulsion copolymerisation and particle morphologies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Chemistry and Technology of Emulsion Polymerisation |
| Editors | A.M. van Herk |
| Publisher | John Wiley and Sons Inc |
| Chapter | 3 |
| Pages | 43-73 |
| Number of pages | 31 |
| Edition | 2nd |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781118638521 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781119953722 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 27 May 2013 |
Keywords
- Emulsion copolymerisation
- Emulsion polymerisation
- Particle growth
- Particle nucleation