{"title":"Environmentally Friendly Synthesis of Polymer Nanoparticles in a Packed Reactor Using Glass Beads","authors":"Tetsuya Yamamoto, Ayumi Morino, Hideki Kanda, Ayumu Seki, Toru Ishigami","doi":"10.1002/mren.202570001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202570001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><b>Front Cover</b>: Micro glass beads make the reaction spaces to synthesize polymer nano particles without surfactant. Particle size is controllable by the size of the micro glass beads packed in the reactor. More details can be found in article 2400009 by Tetsuya Yamamoto and co-workers.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mren.202570001","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143431658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Special Issue Dedicated to the Memory of Professor Mamoru Nomura who Passed Away on October 29, 2023","authors":"Hidetaka Tobita","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400041","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143431659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Kinetics Dependence of RAFT Emulsion Polymerization of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate on Initiator Concentrations","authors":"Huanxin Ni, Yingwu Luo","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400051","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization with a well-designed amphiphilic macroRAFT agent as a surfactant has been well-developed as a powerful tool to synthesize high molecular weight multiblock copolymers. However, the polymerization kinetics research has been mostly limited to styrene polymerization. It has been reported that the dependence of the particle number on initiator concentration is described by <i>N<sub>p</sub></i>∝[I]<sup>−0.4</sup> in amphiphilic macroRAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization of styrene, which surprisingly deviates from the classical Smith–Eward equation. In the current study, the dependence of polymerization kinetics on the initiator concentration in the RAFT emulsion polymerization of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) is investigated. It is revealed that the dependence of the particle number on initiator concentration (<i>N<sub>p</sub></i>∝[I]<sup>−0.29</sup>) is similar to that of styrene but the exponent is less. Additionally, compared to styrene polymerization, the inhibition period in EHA polymerization is significantly extended due to the much lower water-solubility of EHA.</p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144299944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Free Radical Entry in Emulsion Polymerization: A Comprehensive Theory","authors":"Jorge Herrera-Ordonez","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400047","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A comprehensive mathematical model for radical entry into polymer particles is proposed that includes equations and various mechanistic precepts from several works, including those of the author. The model allows estimating the contribution of the different initiator-derived radicals to the overall particle entry rate (<i>ρ</i>). The results of the model are consistent with experimental data reported in the literature. Contrary to what is established by one of the most accepted theories, it is obtained that: 1) the determining step of the entry of water-soluble oligoradicals is not their propagation in the aqueous phase but rather their diffusion and subsequent irreversible adsorption on the particles; 2) primary particles can also enter (coagulate) and contribute to the <i>ρ</i> value; 3) the electrostatic repulsion between oligoradicals and charged particles plays a very important role in determining the predominant species entering the particles.</p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mren.202400047","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144299600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dynamic Modeling and Simulations of Molecular Weight Distributions In Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors for Solution Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate","authors":"Benjamin Robinson, Kyu Yong Choi","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400054","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The finite molecular weight moments (FMWM) technique, originally developed for calculating the complete molecular weight distribution (MWD) in batch free radical polymerizations, is extended here to simulate transient changes in MWD in a series of continuous flow stirred-tank solution polymerization reactors. Unlike the classical method of molecular weight moments, which only calculates molecular weight averages, the FMWM technique provides a simple and effective means to calculate the whole shape of the polymer molecular weight distribution curve, even during the transient period of reactor operations in continuous processes. In this work, the solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate is used as a model system to demonstrate that the FMWM technique can successfully simulate transient MWDs, particularly bimodal distributions of polymer molecular weight resulting from varying reactor operating conditions in a series of two consecutive continuous stirred-tank reactors operating at different temperatures. The simulation results reveal several interesting aspects of how polymer MWD changes over time in each reactor.</p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144299599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Opeyemi J. Ajogbeje, Mohammad Pishnamazi, Igor Lacík, Robin A. Hutchinson
{"title":"Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Synthesis of 2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate (Co)Polymers by Solution Radical Polymerization: Modeling and Experimental Study","authors":"Opeyemi J. Ajogbeje, Mohammad Pishnamazi, Igor Lacík, Robin A. Hutchinson","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400053","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The radical polymerization kinetics of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) is explored in dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol (EtOH), ethanol-water (EtOH/H<sub>2</sub>O), and water. In situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to study both solvolysis and polymerization kinetics. Hydrolysis of nonionized DMAEMA occurs in H<sub>2</sub>O and ethanolysis in EtOH/H<sub>2</sub>O mixtures to form both methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethyl methacrylate (EMA), with the presence of water increasing the rate of ethanolysis in the mixed solvent. Although some solvolysis occurred in EtOH and EtOH/H<sub>2</sub>O containing 25 wt.% H<sub>2</sub>O, the rates are sufficiently low that essentially poly(DMAEMA) homopolymer is synthesized, unlike the DMAEMA/MAA copolymer formed in water and the DMAEMA/MAA/EMA terpolymer formed in water-rich EtOH/H<sub>2</sub>O. A model is constructed to represent the polymerization of nonionized DMAEMA in solution, with the experimental results used to estimate key rate coefficients. The model predictions show good agreement with the experimental data on monomer conversion, average molar masses, and molar mass distributions. Similarly, the rate coefficients for polymerization of ionized DMAEMA are estimated based on experiments conducted in water at pH 1 and 4. The understanding gained from these studies is combined into a comprehensive mechanistic model to describe the polymerization of partially-ionized DMAEMA in the presence of hydrolysis.</p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mren.202400053","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144299972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preparation of High-Heat-Resistant Silicone Hollow Particles","authors":"Hyota Nishi, Shintaro Ishidate, Ryuta Amasaki, Reina Nakamoto, Shinya Katsube, Nozomu Suzuki, Toyoko Suzuki, Hideto Minami","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400046","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Single hollow particles are used in various fields, particularly in thermal insulation materials, owing to their low thermal conductivity attributed to encapsulated air properties. “The self-assembling phase separated polymer (SaPSeP) method” is an original hollowing method that is proposed by this laboratory 25 years ago. Most hollow particles prepared by the SaPSeP method have carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen polymer shells, which lack sufficient heat resistance. In this study, hollow particles with a silicone shell, which is highly heat-resistant, are prepared using the SaPSeP method using a trimer of 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane (MPDS). The MPDS trimer (3MPDS) is synthesized through the sol–gel reaction of MPDS with a basic aqueous solution. Additionally, hollow particles are prepared using a new silicone oligomer composed of MPDS and dimethoxymethylvinylsilane (DMVS). Both hollow particles prepared from 3MPDS and from a new silicone oligomer composed of MPDS and DMVS showed high heat resistance. They maintained their hollow structure even when exposed to temperatures up to 900 °C.</p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143431488","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preparation of Monodisperse Cross-Linked Elastic Silicone Particles","authors":"Reina Nakamoto, Yuya Takeuchi, Yohei Okubo, Keisuke Fujita, Toyoko Suzuki, Hideto Minami","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400037","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Micrometer-sized monodisperse silicone droplets are prepared through a sol–gel process involving 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane (MPDS) at room temperature for 1.5 h in the presence of NH<sub>3</sub> as a catalyst. The size of the obtained droplets is controlled by changing the stabilizer concentration and solvent polarity. However, the obtained droplets have not maintained their particulate shape in the dry state due to the absence of a cross-linking structure. Thus, radical polymerization is performed on the obtained silicone droplets at 70 °C for 2 h; consequently, spherical particles with high monodispersity are observed in the dry state, indicating the presence of a cross-linked structure. Microcompression tests are conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the silicone particles. Initially, the recovery ratio (elasticity) is not high because the molecular weight of the silicone particles is low, ≈600, due to MPDS cyclization (MPDS trimer). Anionic ring-opening polymerization is therefore performed to extend the molecular weight of the MPDS trimer. Benzyldodecyldimethylammonium bromide and tetrakis[tris(dimethylamino)phosphoranylidenamino]phosphonium chloride are used as catalysts for anionic ring-opening polymerization. These catalysts increased the molecular weight to ≈2000 and 7600, respectively. Furthermore, the silicone particles obtained through anion ring-opening polymerization and radical polymerization have high recovery ratios (elasticity).</p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143431468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Industrial Synthesis of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene with H-Shape Long-Chain-Branching Structures Using Ziegler-Natta Catalysts","authors":"Bingyu Zhang, Fengtao Chen, Jin-Yong Dong","doi":"10.1002/mren.202400044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/mren.202400044","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A novel linear low-density polyethylene containing H-shape long-chain-branching structures (LCB-LLDPE) is industrially synthesized with Ziegler-Natta catalysts and gas-phase polymerization process at the assistance of <i>ω</i>-alkenylmethyldichlorosilane copolymerization-hydrolysis chemistry. The incorporated LCB structures are characterized by NMR, SEC, and SAOS (small amplitude oscillatory shear) measurements. With a same-sourced plain LLDPE as a comparison benchmark, the new LCB-LLDPE is studied for its properties on various aspects, revealing, among others, significantly reinforced rheological properties, including enhanced shear-thinning behavior, a significant strain-hardening phenomenon in extensional flow, and substantially increased melt strength, as well as significantly improved optical properties, which all benefit its application in extrusion blow molding for thin-film production.</p>","PeriodicalId":18052,"journal":{"name":"Macromolecular Reaction Engineering","volume":"19 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143840821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}