Monomer Transport in Emulsion Polymerization IV Gaseous Monomers

Abstract

Methods for the evaluation of the Damkohler number for monomer transport during emulsion homopolymerization and copolymerization are extended to the analysis of gaseous monomers. Results indicate that the monomer transport limitation of gaseous monomers in both homo and copolymerization is strongly dependent on overall pressure through Henry's law relationship governing the concentration of monomer in the aqueous phase in equilibrium with monomer bubbles. At low pressures, most monomers studied exhibit monomer transport limitations; however, even at very high pressures, some gaseous monomers still exhibit monomer transport limitations.