Monomer Equilibrium and Transport in Emulsion and Miniemulsion Polymerization

Abstract

The dual concepts of monomer equilibrium and monomer transport in emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization are discussed in depth. The concepts must be considered together since, first, dispersed-phase polymerizations (in this case emulsion and miniemulsion polymerizations) are by their nature multiphase systems that function only due to interphase mass transfer; and second, because phase equilibrium determines the driving force for monomer transport in these (and all heterophase reaction) systems. Concepts of polymer particle swelling are reviewed, and the question first addressed by Paul Flory in the 1950s: Are emulsion polymerizations transport or reaction limited? is revisited in detail.