Emulsion Polymerization: Kinetic and Mechanistic Aspects

Abstract

The current understanding of the kinetics and mechanisms of batch and continuous emulsion polymerizations is summarized from the viewpoints of particle formation and growth and polymer structure development. There are numerous factors that affect these processes; among them, studies on the radical transfer and monomer partitioning between phases, which are key factors for particle formation and growth, are reviewed and discussed. Attention is also focused on the effects of initiator type, additives and impurities in the recipe ingredients, and agitation, each of which sometimes exert crucial influences on the processes of particle formation and growth. In relation to polymer structure development, important aspects of the molecular weight distribution and branched/crosslinked polymer formation are highlighted.