Fundamentals of Emulsion Polymerization

Abstract

A comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of emulsion polymerization and related processes is presented with the object of providing theoretical and practical understanding to researchers considering use of these methods for synthesis of polymer colloids across a wide range of applications. Hence, the overview has been written for a general scientific audience with no prior knowledge assumed. Succinct introductions are given to key topics of background science to assist the reader. Importance is placed on ensuring mechanistic understanding of these complex polymerizations and how the processes can be used to create polymer colloids that have particles with well-defined properties and morphology. Mathematical equations and associated theory are given where they enhance understanding and learning and where they are particularly useful for practical application. Practical guidance also is given for new researchers so that they can begin using the various processes effectively and in ways that avoid common mistakes.

Biodegradable Polyester Synthesis in Renewed Aqueous Polycondensation Media: The Core of the New Greener Polymer-5B Technology

“…The viscosity of the monomer/polymer solution increases fast, with monomer conversion influencing colloidal stability and monomer-monomer and enzyme-monomer interactions, so efficient mixing is essential to obtaining good polymer properties. The polymerization media must be stirred continuously during the polycondensation using a suitable agitator design and speed [37,45].…”

“…Aqueous miniemulsions (oil-in-water (o/w)) are systems characterized by oil droplets in the range between 200 and 300 nm, dispersed in a continuous water phase, which contributes to about 80% (w/w) [37]. Several reactions have been carried out in miniemulsion systems using enzymes by our research group, such as high-added-value ester synthesis using various lipases and cutinases [38][39][40], resolution of enantiomers with Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) [41], triglyceride hydrolysis, and glycerolysis with Pseudomonas cepacia [42].…”

“…More recently, aldol reactions were performed using Rhizopus arrhizus lipase [43]. Additionally, aqueous miniemulsions have been reported as environmentally benign enzymatic reaction media for polymerization [37,44]. In these polymerization media, there is no need to dry reagents before the polymerization, the water produced in dehydrative polyesterification is expelled to the continuous (aqueous) phase, and the biocatalyst stability is improved in comparison to an organic solvent.…”

“…Enzyme stability and polymer characteristics also depend on the type of reactor and process conditions such as type of biocatalyst, temperature, pH, and type of stirring [37,44]. The polymerization processes can be carried out in batch and continuous reactors.…”

Influence of Acrylic Acid and Tert-Dodecyl Mercaptan in the Adhesive Performance of Water-Based Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

“…Finally, in the third step start when the monomer droplets disappear, and the monomers absorbed in the polymer particle polymerize. In this step the polymer particles remain constant, but the polymerization rate decrease as monomer concentration is reduced [22,23].…”