Miniemulsion Polymerization Technology

Explains miniemulsion technology and techniques and why they have many distinct advantages over the conventional emulsion polymerization technology Miniemulsion Polymerization Technology comprises 10 papers by many of the world's experts on the subject. It summarizes the recent advances in miniemulsion polymerization technology including the advances on the selection of surfactants and co-surfactants, the expansion of miniemulsion technology in various polymers and co-polymer systems, and the use of miniemulsion polymerization for the synthesis of advanced polymer particle morphologies. There have been a large number of texts on emulsion and other forms of polymerization methods, but miniemulsion polymerization, though it provides unique routes for polymer particle synthesis, has been neglected. This edited volume: Details the use of miniemulsion polymerization in encapsulation, core shell functional particles, nitroxide mediated polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization or radical addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, to generate advanced polymer nanoparticles or organic-inorganic composite particles Examines the wide spectrum of commercial possibilities of miniemulsion polymerization Provides both introductory material as well as deep insights into the synthesis of polymer particles

An explanation for engineers and chemists working in such industries as paper, paint, and textiles, of the operating mechanisms involved in the physics and chemistry of polymers and colloids as they apply to emulsion polymer manufacture and use. Outlines the various available materials, how they are

Emulsion polymerisation produces high value polymers in a low cost, environmentally friendly process. The drive to develop environmentally benign production methods for polymers has resulted in widespread development and implementation of the emulsion polymerisation technique. In addition, when combined with novel polymerisation mechanisms the process can give rise to a range of polymer products with particularly useful properties. Emulsion polymerisation is a complex process, governed by the interplay of both chemical and physical properties including polymerisation kinetics and dispersion stability. Successful industrial application relies on understanding and controlling those properties. By carefully explaining the principles of the reaction, based on well-designed experimental investigation, Chemistry and Technology of Emulsion Polymerisation provides a practical and intuitive explanation of emulsion polymerisation. In the development of industrial processes, coupling that understanding with everyday practice can be a further difficult step, so the book emphasises a clear, comprehensive and straightforward discussion to illustrate how the principles relate to practical application. Written for research chemists, technologists and engineers in the polymer, fine and specialty chemicals industries, and in university or government laboratories, this book will be particularly valuable to those early on in their careers. The comprehensive and straightforward coverage will also ensure it is an important resource for advanced courses in emulsion polymerisation.

Chemistry and Technology of Emulsion Polymerisation 2e provides a practical and intuitive explanation of emulsion polymerization, in combination with both conventional and controlled radical polymerization. For those working in industry, coupling theory with everyday practice can be difficult. By carefully explaining the principles of the reaction, based on well-designed experimental investigation, the book explains how the principles relate to practical application. The second edition of this book includes a new chapter on morphology of latex particles, a rapidly progressing area where modelling the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of phase separation and morphology has developed into a mature and powerful tool to predict and control morphology of latex particles. Another area that is rapidly progressing is the application of controlled radical polymerisation in emulsion polymerization. Controlled radical polymerisation is used in aiding encapsulation of inorganic particles like pigment particles and clay platelets. These latest developments are included in the second edition.

The polymer latex technology by emulsion polymerisation offers significant advantages as compared to bulk and solution polymerisation technologies owing to the better control of heat and viscosity of the medium along with the possibility of increasing the molecular weight of the polymer chains without affecting the rate of polymerisation. These emulsion polymerisation methods have undergone significant advances in the recent years and now a days, synthesis of structured latexes with well defined morphologies and properties has been possible. The development of miniemulsion polymerisation has helped to polymerise very hydrophobic and very hydrophilic monomers, which otherwise are difficult to be polymerised with the conventional emulsion polymerisation. The combination of controlled living polymerisation methods like nitroxide mediated polymerisation, atom transfer radical polymerisation as well as reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer with the emulsion and miniemulsion polymerisation methods has resulted into the synthesis of functional block copolymer chains, graft copolymer chains and star or multi arm copolymer chains in the polymer particles. Apart from that, specific surface modifications on the surface of the emulsion particles have been achieved which have expended the area of application of such polymer particles. The kinetics and mechanism of particle generation with the living polymerisation in emulsion and miniemulsion are very complex, however, the recent advances have helped to understand these systems more clearly, thus, allowing to steer them to the advantage. Therefore, these recent advances in the latex technology need to be brought into a cumulative text in order to provide insight into the various possibilities of achieving the optimum latexes.

The aim of the Rolduc Polymer Meetings is to stimulate interdisciplinary discussions between academic and industrial polymer scientists and engineers. Experts are invited to review selected topics and to initiate discussions relating to future trends and developments. The general theme of these meetings is 'Integration of Fundamental Polymer Science and Technology'. In order to serve this goal, all participants are accommodated in Rolduc Abbey, a well-preserved medieval monument in Limburg (The Netherlands) to provide an optimum atmosphere for the exchange of ideas. About 350 participants took part in the 4th Rolduc Polymer Meeting, which was held from 23 to 27 April 1989. This volume contains invited and selected contributed papers on topics such as solution properties, chemistry, emulsion polymerization, liquid crystalline polymers, structure/ morphology and blends/composites. We are fully aware of the fact that the reader will not find an integrated presentation of lectures in this volume. Unfortunately, it is impossible to put down in writing the atmosphere of this and previous meetings. However, we hope that the reader will be stimulated to present his own views in forthcoming meetings after reading these proceedings. We wish to thank all contributors to this volume. P.l.L.

Polymer nanocomposites revolutionized research in the composites area by achieving the nanoscale dispersion of the inorganic filler (clay platelets) in the polymer matrices after suitable surface modifications of the filler phase. A large number of polymer matrices were tried and nanocomposites with varying degrees of successes were achieved with these polymer systems. The majority of the synthesis are carried out by melt blending which frequently result in the full exfoliation of the filler. However, advanced techniques provide a number of advantages as compared to the melt blending and lead to more uniform composites with enhanced properties. There are a number of recent advances in these methods such as the use of reactive surfactants, modified initiators, advanced clay surface modifications, use of a variety of fillers, inverse polymerization, and miniemulsion polymerization methods which have further led the generation of advanced exfoliated nanocomposites. Until now, most of the published research has been scattered throughout the literature. This book provides a single comprehensive source of information about one of the most important facets of polymer nanocomposites technology: synthesis in emulsion and suspension. These polymerization methods lead to the generation of the well delaminated polymer nanocomposites with a wide range of polymer matrices. This book serves as both a professional reference for experienced researchers and a valuable text for newcomers to the field. It makes the reader aware of the potential commercial use of these recent developments.