Emulsion Polymerization (emulsion + polymerization)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Kinds of Emulsion Polymerization

  • seeded emulsion polymerization
  • soap-free emulsion polymerization

  • Terms modified by Emulsion Polymerization

  • emulsion polymerization technique

  • Selected Abstracts


    Ab initio Emulsion Polymerization by RAFT (Reversible Addition,Fragmentation Chain Transfer) through the Addition of Cyclodextrins

    HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 8 2006
    Bojana Apostolovic
    Abstract A novel process to produce homo- and copolymers by RAFT polymerization in emulsion is presented. It is known that RAFT-controlled radical polymerization can be conducted in emulsion polymerization without disturbing the radical segregation characteristic of this process, thus leading to polymerization rates identical to those encountered in the corresponding nonliving systems. However, RAFT agents are often characterized by very low water solubility and, therefore, they diffuse very slowly from the monomer droplets, where they are initially solubilized, to the reaction loci, i.e., the polymer particles. Accordingly, when used in emulsion polymerization, they are practically excluded from the reaction. In this work, we show that cyclodextrins, well-known for their ability to form water-soluble complexes with hydrophobic molecules, facilitate the transport across the H2O phase of the RAFT agent to the polymer particles. Accordingly, chains grow through the entire process in a controlled way. This leads to the production of low-polydispersity polymers with well-defined structure and end functionalities as well as to the possibility of synthesizing block copolymers by a radical mechanism. [source]


    Core-Shell Nanoblends from Soy Protein/Polystyrene by Emulsion Polymerization

    MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 8 2008
    Dagang Liu
    Abstract Novel soy protein/polystyrene nanoblends with core-shell structures were successfully prepared by introducing nano-sized PS into soy protein through emulsion polymerization. The nanoblends showed core-shell structures, with the core being of PS and the shell of sodium dodecane sulfonate and soy protein polypeptides, when investigated by electron microscopy. Nanoblends containing high levels of PS (>30%) exhibited characteristic infrared spectrum bands, X-ray diffraction peak, and glass transition, since PS microsphere aggregated to form independent PS domains. Mechanical strength and water resistance were effectively improved by introducing PS. An effective structure-performance relationship was thereby established to describe the nanoblends. [source]


    Runaway Reaction Kinetics for Emulsion Polymerization and its Consequences

    MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 5-6 2009
    Lambertus G. Manders
    Abstract For industrial semi-batch emulsion polymerization, it is difficult to predict the composition of the reactor contents during a runaway reaction since many recipes are involved and it actually may be a fault in the feeds to the reactor that leads to the runaway reaction, as a distributed control system cannot safely prevent wrong feeds. Therefore, in order to safeguard the reactor, very high kinetics need to be taken into account, as discussed theoretically as well as based on an example. Corresponding maximum temperature increase rates may be above 100 K,·,min,1. This needs to be taken into account when designing safety measures for emulsion polymerization reactions. As a result, large safety relief valves or rupture discs may need to be installed. [source]


    Model Reduction in Emulsion Polymerization Using Hybrid First Principles/Artificial Neural Networks Models, 2,

    MACROMOLECULAR THEORY AND SIMULATIONS, Issue 2 2005
    Gurutze Arzamendi
    Abstract Summary: A "series" hybrid model based on material balances and artificial neural networks to predict the evolution of weight average molecular weight, , in semicontinuous emulsion polymerization with long chain branching kinetics is presented. The core of the model is composed by two artificial neural networks (ANNs) that calculate polymerization rate, Rp, and instantaneous weight-average molecular weight, from reactor process variables. The subsequent integration of the material balances allowed to obtain the time evolution of conversion and , along the polymerization process. The accuracy of the proposed model under a wide range of conditions was assessed. The low computer-time load makes the hybrid model suitable for optimization strategies. Effect of the monomer feed rate on . [source]


    Emulsion polymerization of styrene with amphiphilic random copolymer as surfactant: Predominant droplet nucleation

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2009
    Li Liu
    Abstract Amphiphilic random copolymer consisting of monomeric units of poly (butyl acrylate) and poly (maleic acid salt) was synthesized and characterized. The emulsion polymerization kinetics of styrene stabilized by this copolymer was investigated. The influencing factors, including polymeric surfactant concentration, initiator concentration and polymerization temperature, were systematically studied. The kinetic data show that the polymerization rate (RP) increased with the increase of the polymeric surfactant concentration ([S]) and polymerization temperature (T). At the higher [S], droplets nucleation and micelle nucleation coexisted in the polymerization system; at the lower [S], only the droplets nucleation process existed. The polymerization did not follow Smith-Ewart Case II kinetics. Dynamic light scatter and transmission electron microscope were utilized to measure the sizes and shapes of the particles, respectively. It would be speculated that a kind of large heterogeneous particles with multiple-active-sites was formed in the polymerization system. The increasing of RP with increasing initiator concentration ([KPS]) was rapid at a medium [KPS], but the slowly increasing was observed at a lower or higher [KPS]. It was attributed to the barrier effect of the polymeric surfactant around the monomer droplets. The polymerization activation energy was 60.29 kJ/mol. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source]


    Emulsion polymerization: From fundamental mechanisms to process developments

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 5 2004
    José M. Asua
    Abstract Emulsion polymers are "products by process" whose main properties are determined during polymerization. In this scenario of margins reduction, increasing competition, and public sensitivity to environmental issues, the challenge is to achieve an efficient production of high-quality materials in a consistent, safe, and environmentally friendly way. This highlight reviews the investigations carried out at The University of the Basque Country to develop a knowledge-based strategy to achieve these goals. First, the research in fundamental mechanisms is discussed. This includes studies in radical entry and exit, oil-soluble initiators, propagation-rate constants of acrylic monomers, processes involved in the formation of branched and crosslinked polymers, microstructure modification by postreaction operations, the formation of particle morphology, and reactive surfactants. The advanced mathematical models developed in the group are also reviewed. In the second part, the advances in process development (optimization, online monitoring and control, monomer removal, production of high-solids, low-viscosity latices, and process intensification) are presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1025,1041, 2004 [source]


    Emulsion polymerization of divinyl monomers stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate sodium salt

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 22 2002
    Barbara Gawdzik
    Abstract The emulsion polymerization of divinyl monomers is investigated. Emulsions were obtained in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate sodium salt as surfactants. The influence of monomer type and kind of surfactant on the particle size distribution is studied. The porous structure of the broken emulsions is also determined. The results indicate that the diameter of nanospheres obtained from two divinyl monomers are significantly larger than those obtained from polystyrene. Aggregation of the particles and the pore-forming diluent added to the emulsion are responsible for the existence of pores. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3967,3973, 2002 [source]


    (Mini)emulsion Polymerization: Effect of the Segregation Degree on Polymer Architecture

    MACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2007
    Iker González
    Abstract A continuous loop reactor was used for the production of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylic acid (AA) pressure sensitive adhesive by both emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization. Similar high monomer conversions were achieved in both processes, but striking differences in polymer architecture were found. A mathematical model was used to analyze these differences concluding that because the costabilizer suppressed monomer diffusion from miniemulsion droplets, the average polymer concentration in the polymerization loci was lower in the miniemulsion process. This resulted in less chain transfer to polymer, and hence in lower sol molecular weight and gel content. [source]


    Using the Aggregation of Latex Polymers in the Fabrication of Reproducible Enzyme Electrodes

    ELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 17 2003
    Wibowo Rahmat
    Abstract An enzyme electrode for glucose is described as a model system to demonstrate a fabrication method using latex aggregation and entrapment of enzyme. Electrosterically-stabilized latex particles synthesized by emulsion polymerization in batch from acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate, and glucose oxidase were coagulated together at pH,5.5 with ethanol. A platinum disk electrode dipped in the solution becomes coated with latex/enzyme. The relative thickness of the film and relative amount of enzyme may be controlled by the time the electrode is in contact with the solution. The enzyme was then immobilized by covalent attachment of amine groups to carboxylic moieties in the polymer using 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride and N -hydroxysuccinimide. Five minutes contact with the latex/enzyme solution and subsequent amide coupling, gave electrodes with a reproducibility of 5.7% RSD, a wide dynamic range (0,100,mM) and good storage properties. [source]


    Ab initio Emulsion Polymerization by RAFT (Reversible Addition,Fragmentation Chain Transfer) through the Addition of Cyclodextrins

    HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 8 2006
    Bojana Apostolovic
    Abstract A novel process to produce homo- and copolymers by RAFT polymerization in emulsion is presented. It is known that RAFT-controlled radical polymerization can be conducted in emulsion polymerization without disturbing the radical segregation characteristic of this process, thus leading to polymerization rates identical to those encountered in the corresponding nonliving systems. However, RAFT agents are often characterized by very low water solubility and, therefore, they diffuse very slowly from the monomer droplets, where they are initially solubilized, to the reaction loci, i.e., the polymer particles. Accordingly, when used in emulsion polymerization, they are practically excluded from the reaction. In this work, we show that cyclodextrins, well-known for their ability to form water-soluble complexes with hydrophobic molecules, facilitate the transport across the H2O phase of the RAFT agent to the polymer particles. Accordingly, chains grow through the entire process in a controlled way. This leads to the production of low-polydispersity polymers with well-defined structure and end functionalities as well as to the possibility of synthesizing block copolymers by a radical mechanism. [source]


    Stability and optimum polymerized condition of polysiloxane,polyacrylate core/shell polymer

    ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
    Chengyue Ge
    Abstract The stable emulsion of core/shell latex with little coagulum (no more than 0.5% in quality relative to total monomers) has been prepared at low temperature with potassium-persulfate (KPS), sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate (SFS), and 2,2,-azobis(2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane)dihydrochloride (VA-044) as composite initiators by staged emulsion polymerization. Reactive surfactants were used to significantly improve the stability of emulsion. More interestingly, reverse core/shell structure was investigated when the organic silicon was added in the late period of polymerization. The effects of the emulsifier, initiators, dosage of organic silicon, and monomer's content on conversion and graft efficiency were studied in detail. Moreover, the stability of emulsion was investigated by the values of zeta potential (,) and coagulum. More importantly, the thermal performance and stability of PSI/PA composite latex was studied by the glass transition temperature (Tg). The results showed that there are appropriate values for all factors to obtain high conversion, graft efficiency, and excellent stability: The dosage of surfactant was about 0.44 g, the dosage of VA-044 was about 1000 mg kg,1, the dosage of organic silicon was about 15%, and the monomer's content was about 30%. In addition, the introduction of organic silicon improved the Tg. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 29:161,172, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary. DOI 10.1002/adv.20182 [source]


    Nanogels of poly(acrylic acid): Uptake and release behavior with fluorescent oligothiophene-labeled bovine serum albumin

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010
    Simona Argentiere
    Abstract Nanometer-sized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogels were synthesized by emulsion polymerization of methyl acrylate and subsequent acidic hydrolysis. The nanohydrogel was characterized by spectroscopic methods (FTIR and 1H-NMR) and scanning probe techniques, and their pH-dependent swelling behavior was studied by dynamic light scattering. To determine the suitability of PAA nanogels as pH-sensitive carriers for biomedical applications, uptake and release of an oligothiophene fluorophore and its albumin conjugated from PAA nanogels were investigated as a function of pH by absorption and photoluminescence measurements. It was observed that uptake and release processes of both the oligothiophene and its conjugate could be controlled by changing the pH of the external solution. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source]


    Mechanical properties and flammability of polycarbonate alloys containing nanosize additives

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009
    Zhiyi Zhang
    Abstract Different organic,inorganic composite particles [montmorillonite/poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), SiO2/PBA/PMMA, and CaCO3/PBA/PMMA] were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Furthermore, polycarbonate (PC) alloys were prepared via the doping of these composite particles into PC with a twin-screw extruder. The structure, mechanical properties, and flammability of the PC alloys were studied in detail. Although the tensile modulus of PC decreased a little, the flexibility and impact resistance were improved by the addition of these composite particles. This result was attributed to the fact that the composite particles were well dispersed in the PC matrix, with a cocontinuous phase formed between the particles and PC. In addition, the combustion behavior of the PC alloys, compared with that of the pure PC, resulted from a ceramic-like char that formed on the surface of the PC alloys during burning. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source]


    Evaluation of polymethacrylic ionomer as compatibilizers for MCPA6/clay composites

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008
    Tongfei Wu
    Abstract The compatibilization effects provided by polymethacrylic ionomer (PMMA ionomer) on monomer-casting polyamide6 (MCPA6)/clay (pristine sodium montmorillonite) composites were studied in this work. The PMMA ionomer used in this study was sodium polymethacrylate ionomer (PMMA Na+ -ionomer), which is a copolymer of methyl methacrylate and sodium methacrylate, prepared using emulsion polymerization. MCPA6/clay/PMMA Na+ -ionomer composites were prepared by in situ anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) of ,-caprolactam (CLA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) plus rheological measurement were used to characterize those composites. The results indicated that PMMA Na+ -ionomer is a good compatibilizer for this system. With increasing PMMA Na+ -ionomer content, a better dispersion of clay layers was successfully achieved in the MCPA6 matrix. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and XRD results indicated that well dispersed silicate layers limit the mobility of the MCPA6 molecule chains to crystallize, reduce the degree crystalline, and favor the formation of the ,-crystalline form of the MCPA6 matrix. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


    Effect of addition of organic microspheres on proton conductivity property of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) membrane

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008
    Cui Liang
    Abstract Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES)/polystyrene(PS) and SPAES/polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) composite membranes were studied for a proton-exchange membrane used in a fuel cell. PS microspheres were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. PSSA microspheres with 5.3 mmol/g ion-exchange capacity (IEC) were prepared by sulfonation of PS microspheres. The composite membranes were prepared by solution casting. SPAES/PSSA composite membranes showed higher proton conductivity than a SPAES membrane because of the IEC improved by adding PSSA. Although the addition of PSSA also brought about the increase of a methanol permeability, the proton/methanol selectivity defined as the ratio of the proton conductivity to the methanol permeability was improved at low humidity by adding 5 wt % of PSSA microspheres. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicated that the amount of free water varied in the cases of the addition of the two kinds of organic microspheres. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


    Grafting emulsion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate onto leather by chemical initiation systems

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008
    K. A. Shaffei
    Abstract The kinetics of the grafting polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto leather were studied with chemical initiation systems. The results showed that the rate of grafting of GMA onto leather was dependent on different rates in the chemical initiation systems; for ammonium persulfate (AmPS)/acetone sodium bisulfite (ASBS), potassium persulfate (PPS)/ASBS, and sodium persulfate (SPS)/ASBS, the powers were 1.06, 0.48, and 0.43 and 0.63, 0.46, and 0.43, respectively, with respect to the concentration of the emulsifier sodium dodecyl sulfate, whereas the powers were 1.41, 0.70, and 0.81, respectively, with respect to the monomer concentration. The apparent activation energy was calculated for each initiation system and was found to be 180.8, 361.63, and 542.45 kcal for the AmPS/ASBS, PPS/ASBS, and SPS/ASBS systems, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


    Polyaniline-multiwalled carbon nanotube composites: Characterization by WAXS and TGA

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008
    T. Jeevananda
    Abstract Polyaniline/carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (PAni/c-MWNT) nanocomposites have been synthesized by micellar aided emulsion polymerization with various c-MWNTs compositions, viz., 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 wt %. The microcrystalline parameters such as the nanocrystal size (,N,), lattice strain (g), interplanar distance (dhkl), width of the crystallite size distribution, surface weighted crystal size (Ds), and volume of the ordered regions were calculated from the X-ray data by using two mathematical models, namely the Exponential distribution and Reinhold distribution methods. The effects of heat ageing on the microcrystalline parameters of the PAni/c-MWNT nanocomposites were also studied and the results are correlated. The thermal stability and electrical resistivity of the PAni/c-MWNT nanocomposites were examined with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a conventional two-probe method. The TGA data indicate that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites improved after the incorporation of c-MWNTs. The influence of temperature on the resistivity of the nanocomposites was also measured. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008 [source]


    Dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate: Effect of stabilizer concentration

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008
    Sheng Jiang
    Abstract In dispersion polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA), little difference was found in the polymerization kinetics with varying stabilizer (PVP K-30) concentration, indicating that in contrast to emulsion polymerization, the kinetics of these dispersion polymerizations are independent of the number of particles. Comparing MMA precipitation and dispersion polymerizations revealed that nuclei formation in the latter results from precipitation polymerization occurring in the continuous phase, which can contribute significantly to the kinetics, and especially to the molecular weight distributions. No change was found in the molecular weight distribution of the PVP during a dispersion polymerization, nor was there any measurable difference between using fresh and recycled stabilizer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


    Using anionic polymerizable surfactants in ultrasonically irradiated emulsion polymerization to prepare polymer nanoparticles

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008
    Yuhui He
    Abstract An ionic polymerizable surfactant, sodium sulfopropyl-laurylmaleate (M12), was synthesized and used as an emulsifier, an initiator, and a comonomer in ultrasonically irradiated emulsion polymerization. FTIR spectra and gravimetric method results indicated that copolymers P(Styrene-M12) and P(Butylacrlate-M12) were prepared successfully by ultrasonically irradiated emulsion polymerization and the composition of M12 elevated with the increasing concentration of M12 added. TEM photographs of P(St-M12) showed that the nanoparticles with small diameters (20,45 nm) were prepared. With the increase of M12 concentration, the particle size became smaller and the size distribution became wider. The P(BA-M12) particles size was also small (<100 nm) but the size distribution was wide due to the high reactivity of BA. Because surfmer M12 was chemically bonded with the latex particles, the stability of the copolymer latex prepared by ultrasonically irradiated emulsion polymerization was much better than that of the homopolymer latex (PSt or PBA) prepared by the same way. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source]


    Effect of molecular relaxation of acrylic elastomers on impact toughening of polybutylene terephthlate

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007
    Nafih Mekhilef
    Abstract In this study, we examined the performance of two core-shell acrylic-based impact modifiers (AIM) prepared by emulsion polymerization. The rubber core was prepared from ethyl hexyl acrylate (EHA) and n -octyl acrylate (n -OA). In such as process, the particle size and particle-size distribution of the modifiers were precisely controlled, so that performance differences observed in polybutylene terephthlate (PBT), used as matrix resin, could only be interpreted in terms of the nature of the elastomeric component of the modifiers. When isolated, the rubber core of the modifiers showed identical glass transition temperatures (Tg) by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) despite the fact that they were made from two different acrylic monomers. Temperature-frequency superposition principle inferred from the classical WLF equation showed that the rubber components exhibit the same Tg at all frequencies including at the time scale at which mechanical impact typically occurs. However, significant differences in low temperature impact performance measured at ,30°C using notched Izod impact test according to ASTM D 256 were obtained even though their rubber components had identical Tg. Such differences were attributed to the dynamic relaxation behavior of the rubber components and identified as inherent properties of the elastomers due to the structure of the monomers' repeat units. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007 [source]


    Miniemulsion polymerization of a fluorinated acrylate copolymer: Kinetic studies and nanolatex morphology characterization

    JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007
    Qinghua Zhang
    Abstract A stable fluoroacrylate copolymer emulsion was successfully prepared by miniemulsion polymerization with fluoroacrylate, lauryl methylacrylate, and methyl methacrylate as monomers. Extremely hydrophobic fluoroacrylate, instead of conventional cosurfactants, was used as a reactive cosurfactant to stabilize the miniemulsions. The results indicated that fluoroacrylate retarded Ostwald ripening and allowed the production of stable miniemulsions. The chemical compositions of the copolymer were studied with Fourier transform infrared and 1H-NMR. The average composition of the copolymers prepared with miniemulsions was in good agreement with the feed ratio according to 1H-NMR from the integration ratios corresponding to typical protons of the individual monomers. The particle size distribution and morphology of the latex particles were determined with laser particle analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size of the latex underwent no change in the process of miniemulsion polymerization, but the particle size distributions were broader than those of conventional emulsion polymerization. The effects of various reaction parameters, including the temperature and concentrations of the emulsifier and initiator, on the miniemulsion polymerization were also investigated, and the polymerization rate and conversion increased with increasing concentrations of nonylphenol polyethoxylate (with an average of 40 ethylene oxide units per molecule), cetyltrimethylammonium, and 2,2,-azobisisobutyronitrile. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 641,647, 2007 [source]


    Measurement based modeling and control of bimodal particle size distribution in batch emulsion polymerization

    AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2010
    Mazen Alamir
    Abstract In this article, a novel modeling approach is proposed for bimodal Particle Size Distribution (PSD) control in batch emulsion polymerization. The modeling approach is based on a behavioral model structure that captures the dynamics of PSD. The parameters of the resulting model can be easily identified using a limited number of experiments. The resulting model can then be incorporated in a simple learning scheme to produce a desired bimodal PSD while compensating for model mismatch and/or physical parameters variations using very simple updating rules. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source]


    Population balance modeling of particle size distribution in monomer-starved semibatch emulsion polymerization

    AICHE JOURNAL, Issue 12 2009
    Shahriar Sajjadi
    Abstract The evolution of particle size distribution (PSD) in the monomer-starved semibatch emulsion polymerization of styrene with a neat monomer feed is investigated using a population balance model. The system under study ranges from conventional batch emulsion to semicontinuous (micro)emulsion polymerization depending on the rate of monomer addition. It is shown that, contrary to what is often believed, the broadness of PSD is not necessarily associated with the length of nucleation period. The PSDs at the end of nucleation are found to be independent of surfactant concentration. Simulation results indicate that at the completion of nucleation the particle size is reduced and the PSD narrows with decreasing rate of monomer addition despite nucleation time increasing. The broad distribution of particles frequently encountered in semibatch emulsion polymerizations is therefore attributed to stochastic broadening during the growth stage. The zero-one-two-three model developed in this article allows perceiving that the dominant kinetic mechanism may be different for particles with different sizes. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source]


    Preparation, morphology, and biolabeling of fluorescent nanoparticles based on conjugated polymers by emulsion polymerization

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 21 2010
    Rui Wang
    Abstract Novel nanoparticles based on conjugated polymer with good fluorescent properties were synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction using certain surfactants as one kind of special emulsion polymerization. The luminescent properties of the prepared nanoparticles could be controlled by selecting different monomers. Without using substances comprising any heavy metal element, these fluorescent nanoparticles show very good biocompatibility with cells, thus showing potential applications in cell biolabeling, drug delivery tracing, organic light-emitting diodes, flat displays, and other areas. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010 [source]


    On the evolution of the rate of polymerization, number and size distribution of particles in styrene emulsion polymerization above CMC

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 14 2010
    Shirley Carro
    Abstract This work is an extension of a communication reported by two of the authors [Carro and Herrera-Ordoñez, Macromol Rapid Commun 2006, 27, 274], where bimodal particle size distributions (PSD), obtained by asymmetric flow-field flow fractionation (AFFF, AF4), were taken as evidence of certain degree of stability of primary particles. Now, emulsion polymerizations of styrene were performed under conditions employed before by other researchers, intending to examine if the behavior observed is general. The number of particles (N) and PSD were studied by means of dynamic light scattering and AF4. By the later, bimodal PSDs were detected in all cases, where the population corresponding to primary particles (diameter <20 nm) depends on reaction conditions. Regarding N, AF4 results show that it is constant during interval II, in contrast to DLS results. Primary particle coagulation was evidenced as minimums in N evolution and the rate of polymerization curves, monitored by calorimetry and gravimetry, which are enhanced when higher particle number is generated and/or the ionic strength is increased. These results suggest that particle coagulation is not as extensive as it would be expected according to the coagulative theory. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3152,3160, 2010 [source]


    Modification of multiwall carbon nanotubes via soap-free emulsion polymerization of acrylonitrile

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 10 2010
    Zhenping Cheng
    Abstract A novel method for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-coated multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via a simple soap-free emulsion polymerization is presented for the first time. The polymerization was initiated with conventional anionic ammonium persulfate (APS) at 65 °C. The modification of PAN on MWCNT surfaces was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. It is found that all the surfaces of the MWCNTs were coated by PAN chains, and the PAN coating thickness could be controlled by simply adjusting the polymerization time. The obtained PAN-coated MWCNTs could be well dispersed in water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2057,2062, 2010 [source]


    Effect of an anionic monomer on the pickering emulsion polymerization stabilized by titania hydrosol

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 21 2009
    Xiaomei Song
    Abstract Polystyrene (PS) nanocomposite particles with high titania content are prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization. A self-made titania hydrosol modified by an anionic monomer sodium styrene sulfonate (NaSS) is used as a stabilizer and photocatalyst. The stability of the emulsion system is greatly improved by the electrostatic interaction between negatively charged NaSS and positively charged titania nanoparticles. The nanocomposite spheres with the diameter of around 120 nm are highly charged, indicating titania-rich surfaces of latex particles. It is also proven by the field-emission transmission electron microscope and field-emission scanning electron microscope images. The well-defined core-shell structure of the obtained PS/titania composite particles is confirmed by the formation of fragile hollow titania nanospheres after thermogravimetric analysis tests. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5728,5736, 2009 [source]


    Recent advances in controlled/living radical polymerization in emulsion and dispersion

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 21 2008
    Jung Kwon Oh
    Abstract Effective ways to conduct controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) in emulsion systems are necessary for commercial latex production without significant modification of current industrial facilities. Conducting CRP in emulsion media is more complicated and more challenging than its application in homogeneous bulk. These challenges come from the intrinsic kinetics of emulsion polymerization. They include mass transport, slow chain growth mechanism, and exit of short radicals from polymeric particles. This review describes the recent developments of CRP in heterogeneous dispersion, including miniemulsion, microemulsion, dispersion, and especially emulsion. Various approaches for conducting emulsion CRP are detailed, including controlled seeded emulsion polymerization, nanoprecipitation, use of short oligomers as macroinitiators for in situ block copolymerization, and RAFT-mediated self-assembly. In addition many remaining challenges of the current methods barring wide spread industrial application of emulsion CRP are also suggested. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6983,7001, 2008 [source]


    Emulsion synthesis of nanoparticles containing PEDOT using conducting polymeric surfactant: Synergy for colloid stability and intercalation doping

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 7 2008
    Chi-an Dai
    Abstract Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a widely used conductive aqueous dispersion synthesized by using emulsion polymerization method. To further enhance its solution processability and conductivity of PEDOT derivatives, we proposed to replace the nonconductive PSS with conductive poly[2-(3thienyl)-ethoxy-4-butylsulfonate] (PTEB) as surfactant for the emulsion polymerization of PEDOT. The reaction involved colloid stabilization and doping in one step, and yielded PEDOT:PTEB composite nanoparticles with high electrical conductivity. Contrary to its counterpart containing nonconductive surfactant, PEDOT: PTEB showed increasing film conductivity with increasing PTEB concentration. The result demonstrates the formation of efficient electrical conduction network formed by the fully conductive latex nanoparticles. The addition of PTEB for EDOT polymerization significantly reduced the size of composite particles, formed stable spherical particles, enhanced thermal stability, crystallinity, and conductivity of PEDOT:PTEB composite. Evidence from UV,VIS and FTIR measurement showed that strong molecular interaction between PTEB and PEDOT resulted in the doping of PEDOT chains. X-ray analysis further demonstrated that PTEB chains were intercalated in the layered crystal structure of PEDOT. The emulsion polymerization of EDOT using conducting surfactant, PTEB demonstrated the synergistic effect of PTEB on colloid stability and intercalation doping of PEDOT during polymerization resulting in significant conductivity improvement of PEDOT composite nanoparticles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2536,2548, 2008 [source]


    Enhancement of photocurrent of polymer-gelled dye-sensitized solar cell by incorporation of exfoliated montmorillonite nanoplatelets

    JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 1 2008
    Chi-Wei Tu
    Abstract Poly(n -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and its nanocomposite with exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared by soap-free emulsion polymerization and individually applied to gel the electrolyte systems for the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Each exfoliated MMT nanoplatelet had a thickness of , 1 nm, carried , 1.8 cation/nm2, and acted like a two-dimensional electrolyte. The DSSC with the LiI/I2/tertiary butylpyridine electrolyte system gelled by this polymer nanocomposite had higher short-circuit current density (Jsc) compared to that gelled by the neat PNIPAAm. The former has a Jsc of 12.6 mA/cm2, an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.73 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.59, which harvested 5.4% electricity conversion efficiency (,) under AM 1.5 irradiation at 100 mW/cm2, whereas the latter has Jsc = 7.28 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.72 V, FF = 0.60, and , = 3.17%. IPCE of the nanocomposite-gelled DSSC were also improved. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the DSSCs revealed that the nanocomposite-gelled electrolytes significantly decreased the impedances in three major electric current paths of DSSCs, that is, the resistance of electrolytes and electric contacts, impedance across the electrolytes/dye-coated TiO2 interface, and Nernstian diffusion within the electrolytes. The results were also consistent with the increased molar conductivity of nanocomposite-gelled electrolytes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 47,53, 2008 [source]