Monomer transport in emulsion polymerization

A simple mathematical model of the transport of monomer from the monomer droplets to the polymerizing polymer particles during emulsion polymerization is developed. A Damkohler number for monomer transport in emulsion polymerization is proposed as the ratio of the maximum rate of polymerization (propagation) divided by the maximum rate of monomer transport out of the monomer droplets. This Damkohler number is calculated from literature values for a number of common monomers. Following standard practise for the use of such a Damkohler number in other reaction-with-transport systems, monomers with a Damkohler number above 0.1 are considered to be transport limited. Results of these calculations indicate that, while most monomers are not monomer transport limited, the higher molecular weight acrylates and methacrylates are.

Automated summary

The study reveals that higher molecular weight acrylates and methacrylates are limited by monomer transport in emulsion polymerization.