Disperse systems

Emulsion copolymerizations of acrylates are investigated in the isoperibol calorimeter "CalWin". Emulsion polymerization is a heterophase polymerization process. Emulsion polymerizations can be carried out discontinuously (batch), semi-continuously (semi-batch) or continuously. Furthermore, it is possible to use a wide variety of feed processes, pure monomers or monomer emulsions, monomer mixtures of different compositions and so-called seed processes. The latter has the greatest commercial importance today in the field of emulsion polymerization. The following analytical methods are used to characterize the properties of polymer dispersions: GC, GPC, HPLC, TEM, light scattering and viscometry.

New processes for continuous emulsion polymerization

In many areas of the chemical industry, it is a widespread technical problem to stabilize aqueous preparations permanently. By means of emulsion polymerization, polymer systems can be developed that meet these requirements. By influencing the polymer composition and structure, the properties relevant to the application can be changed in a targeted manner. The main objectives are the understanding of the polymerization process and the implementation in continuous operation.

Emulsion polymerization in a coiled tubular reactor

The development of continuous processes is more complicated than those operated in sets. In the past, this usually led to the development and implementation of processes based on batch reactors. However, the advantage of continuous plants is that they can produce continuously and are, therefore, generally more economical. Recently, there has, therefore, been great interest in converting discontinuous processes into continuous ones. However, especially for emulsion polymerizations, such a transfer is often not possible, because all product properties have been developed and optimized on the basis of the discontinuous process and the conversion of the reactor often leads to different products, even if the recipe remains the same. Therefore, when developing continuous processes, work should be carried out on a continuous basis from the very beginning in order to optimize the product properties on the basis of the continuous process.

Encapsulation of inorganic nanoparticles by emulsion polymerization

The potential of inorganic materials with dimensions in the nanometer range for a wide range of applications from medical technology to novel materials is enormous. In many cases, a partial or complete coating of the surface with a largely inert substance is desirable or even absolutely necessary for the application. Often polymers are used for this purpose, which can be synthesized precisely according to the required properties. An advanced and well-described process for the production of particulate polymer systems is emulsion polymerization. Suitable reaction control makes it possible to embed inorganic materials in the polymer particles. The aim is to develop a general method for the production of particles with inorganic and polymer components by emulsion polymerization.