Suspensionpolymerisaatiot

Suspension polymerization is a free-radical polymerization technique where the reaction takes place in discrete monomer droplets suspended in a continuous medium, typically water. The monomer is insoluble in the continuous phase, and a stabilizer, often a water-soluble polymer like polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose derivatives, is added to prevent the droplets from coalescing. Agitation is crucial to maintain the suspension and ensure uniform heat transfer. Initiators, soluble in the monomer phase, are used to start the polymerization within each droplet. As polymerization proceeds, the monomer droplets transform into solid polymer beads, which are then separated from the continuous phase. This method is widely used for producing polymers like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in bead form. Suspension polymerization allows for good control over particle size and heat dissipation, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production. The resulting polymer beads can be directly used or further processed into various shapes and forms. The process can be conducted in batch, semi-batch, or continuous modes.