Semicontinuous Emulsion Co-polymerization of Vinyl Acetate and VeoVa10

Abstract

The high solids semicontinuous emulsion polymerization of VAc and VeoVa10 using poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) as polymeric stabilizer is investigated. It is shown that (i) PVOH strongly affects the kinetics of the process and (ii) the formation of PVOH-graft-poly­(VAc–co-VeoVa10) leads to an overestimation of the gel content and an underestimation of the sol molecular weight when the standard characterization techniques are directly applied. A new method to properly characterize the MWD of these copolymers is presented. A mathematical model is used to analyze the effects of surfactant and initiator on the kinetics and polymer microstructure.

Challenges and Opportunities in Continuous Production of Emulsion Polymers: a Review

“…However, it has been recently demonstrated that this is an artifact of the method due to the insolubility of the PVOH containing graft copolymers in THF. [28] We recently tried to use a system of two CSTRs to produce the same product that was obtained in a semicontinuous reactor using the high solids (56 wt%) formulation presented in Table 1. [29] The reactors were designed so that their residence time distribution corresponded to well-mixed reactors.…”

“…In this context, it is worth pointing out that the model did not consider the particle size distribution that is affected by the type of reactor. [28,29] …”

“…The analysis of these polymers using the conventional Soxhlet extraction with THF led to the conclusion that gel is formed in this reaction. However, it has been recently demonstrated that this is an artifact of the method due to the insolubility of the PVOH containing graft copolymers in THF …”

“…This mathematical model can be used to both explore conditions in which polymer with improved properties can be produced and to further intensify the process. In this context, it is worth pointing out that the model did not consider the particle size distribution that is affected by the type of reactor …”

Preparation and characterization of novel VAc/VeoVa10/DBM/VTES quadripolymer latex emulsified with green surfactants

“…Agirre et al 7 produced the VAc-VeoVa10 latex in the system of surfactant poly(vinyl alcohol) by emulsion copolymerization. [7][8][9] Emulsion polymerization involves dispersion of a relatively water-insoluble monomer (e.g. VAc and VeoVa10) in water at the reaction temperature, initiated the persulfate initiator solution with the aid of surfactants.…”