![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Three different operating modes to produce constant composition copolymers in emulsion are examined. Experimental data are presented with reference to the binary copolymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate. Firstly, combining a composition-conversion model with the on-line monitoring of conversion through densimetry, a semibatch monomer feed policy aimed to minimize the reaction time is discussed. Secondly, a batch, pseudo-azeotropic mode is analyzed. A constant composition polymer is obtained by properly adjusting the initial amount of water to take advantage of the different monomer solubilities in aqueous phase. Finally, a semibatch case is examined where limitations of maximum reaction rate are operative. Once more, the composition-conversion model is combined with a suitable on-line monitoring of conversion by measurements of the ultrasound velocity in the reacting system.