emulsioonpolümerisatsioon

Emulsioonpolümerisatsioon, known in English as emulsion polymerization, is a free-radical polymerization process that occurs in an aqueous emulsion. It is a widely used industrial method for producing polymers such as polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylic polymers. The process involves dispersing water-insoluble monomers in water with the aid of a surfactant, which forms micelles. An initiator, typically a water-soluble free radical generator, is added to the system. The polymerization primarily takes place within the monomer-swollen micelles, where the monomer concentration is high. The surfactant plays a crucial role in stabilizing the growing polymer particles and preventing coagulation. Heat generated during the exothermic polymerization reaction is effectively dissipated by the water phase, allowing for good temperature control and high molecular weight polymer formation. The resulting latex, a stable dispersion of polymer particles in water, can be used directly in applications like paints and adhesives or further processed to isolate the solid polymer. Advantages of emulsion polymerization include high reaction rates, good heat transfer, and the ability to produce high molecular weight polymers with low viscosity, which simplifies processing.