The time-temperature curves for the emulsion polymerizations of various monomers in a water-bath controlled at a constant temperature were found to be classified into three groups (A-, B-, and C-types).
A-type is found in the case of
Ta (azeotropic temperature of vinyl monomer-H
2O system)<
T (temperature of the reaction flask). The curve consists of a plateau region (under reflux) and a peak (without reflux). The emulsion polymerizations of vinyl acetate at 70°C and of methyl acrylate at 74°C are representative examples.
B-type, whose time-temperature curve has only a weak peak, is observed when Trommsdorff effect is not remarkable during polymerization and
Ta>
T. The timetemperature curves for styrene,
n-butyl methacrylate, and ethyl acrylate at 70°C are typical.
C-type is observed when Trommsdorff effect is remarkable during polymerization and
Ta>
T. The time-temperature curve has a plateau region (without reflux) and a peak (without reflux), the shape of which is similar to that of A-type in spite of no reflux. Typical examples are the emulsion polymerizations of methyl methacrylate and of ethyl methacrylate at 70°C.
A relationship among the above types of time-temperature curves was clarified by considering the integral heat of polymerization (sum of the heat evolved during polymerization up to that reaction time).
In the case that the addition technique, of monomer is carried out dropwise the time-temperature curves were also classified into three groups, which are different from the above types.
The effects of additives (solvent or non-solvent for vinyl polymer) on the time-temperature curve were examined.
The results mentioned above suggest several important factors for temperature-control in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl monomers.
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