On the Mathematical Modeling of Emulsion Polymerization Reactors

I. INTRODUCTION

Emulsion polymerization often has significant advantages over homogeneous bulk or solution polymerization. Aside from the obvious physical advantages when a polymer latex is the final product as in paints or other coatings, there are distinct processing advantages. For example, low viscosity and good temperature control can often be achieved in an emulsion polymerization when this is impossible in bulk. In addition, high molecular weight polymer can usually be produced at much higher reaction rates in an emulsion polymerization reactor than in a bulk polymerization. For these and other reasons, emulsion polymerization has become a multibillion dollar/year processing operation in terms of sales in the United States alone.