Experimental Investigation on Fouling of a Polymer Dispersion on Modified Surfaces

Fouling is economically and ecologically a key problem for the efficiency for production and processing of polymer dispersions. In this study, the fouling behavior of polymer dispersions on heated and cooled surfaces was investigated. Therefore, the dependency of the fouling on operational parameters (heat flux density, bulk temperature, concentration of solid, flow regime) and properties of the apparatus (surface modification, coating) was studied. Electropolished surfaces and certain sets of operational parameters were identified as fouling mitigating and easier to clean, respectively.