ABSTRACT
Emulsion polymerization is a technique of polymerization where polymer formation occurs in an inert medium in which the monomer is sparingly soluble. Water-based emulsions for ionic polymerizations are uncommon because of high-purity requirements. At the beginning of the emulsion polymerization, an emulsifier acts as the solubilizer of the monomer, thus giving a higher rate of emulsion polymerization. When emulsion polymerization is started, physical changes occur in the medium as the reaction progresses. The molecular weight of the polymer formed in emulsion polymerization is normally considerably higher than that formed in corresponding radical polymerization. The monomer is held in the polymer particles by surface tension forces, and the polymer in these particles is in the swollen state. If the monomer is a good solvent for the polymer formed, it is possible to derive the monomer concentration in the particle through fundamental principles.
