Interfacial and diffusion phenomena in emulsion polymerisation

Abstract

Evidence is presented which shows that both free‐radical and monomer species can be subject to mass transfer resistances in an emulsion polymerisation. The possible causes of these resistances are analysed. In most cases, simple diffusional resistances will not affect the course of an emulsion polymerisation appreciably. However, interfacial resistance to mass transfer which occurs at the water‐particle boundary can have noticeable effects on the polymerisation.The practical consequences of these phenomena are discussed. These can be of particular importance in emulsion copolymerisation.