Emulsion Polymerization

• Mohammad Shahidul• Department of Textile

Engineering• ID: BTE 00905507

Emulsion PolymerizationThe most common type of emulsion polymerization is an oil-in-

water emulsion, in which droplets of monomer (the oil) are emulsified (with surfactants) in a continuous phase of water. Water-soluble polymers, such as certain polyvinyl alcohols or

hydroxyethyl celluloses, can also be used to act as emulsifiers/stabilizers.

Emulsion Polymerization :

Typical ingredient

100 part (by wt.) monomer (water insoluble)180 part water2-5 parts acid soap0.1-0.5 part water-soluble initiator0-1 part CTA (monomer soluble)

-growing polymer particle-Monomers inside the micelle decrease

Unreacted monomers in other micelles and in droplets diffuse through water to the growing particles

Reaction terminates when 2nd radical gets in reaction starts again for the 2nd chain when 3rd particle gets in.

Steps in Emulsion Polymeriztion

Water-soluble initiatorPolymer born in water

Monomer swollen micellePolymer moves to micelle

ApplicationsPolymers produced by emulsion polymerization can be divided into three rough categories.•Synthetic rubber

Some grades of styrene-butadiene (SBR)Some grades of PolybutadienePolychloroprene (Neoprene)Nitrile rubberAcrylic rubberFluoroelastomer (FKM)

•PlasticsSome grades of PVCSome grades of polystyreneSome grades of PMMAAcrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS)Polyvinylidene fluoridePolyvinyl fluoridePTFE