Emulsioonpolümeriseerimine

Emulsioonpolümeriseerimine is a method of polymerization that takes place in an emulsion. An emulsion consists of small droplets of a monomer, or a solution of a monomer, dispersed in a continuous phase, typically water. The process is initiated by a water-soluble initiator, which generates free radicals that then migrate to the monomer droplets to initiate the polymerization. Surfactants are crucial components of emulsion polymerization, as they stabilize the emulsion and control the size of the polymer particles. They form micelles, which are small aggregates of surfactant molecules, and polymerization often begins within these micelles. As polymerization proceeds, monomer diffuses from the larger monomer droplets to the growing polymer particles. The resulting polymer is typically obtained as a latex, a stable dispersion of polymer particles in the continuous phase. This latex can be used directly or the polymer can be isolated by coagulation. Emulsion polymerization is widely used in the production of a variety of polymers, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and various acrylic polymers. Its advantages include good control over molecular weight and particle size, efficient heat removal due to the water phase, and the ability to produce high molecular weight polymers at high reaction rates.