ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION Inverse heterophase polymerizations are essential techniques for the industrial production of water-soluble high-molecular-weight polymers and are modern means of polymer synthesis in fundamental research. The most important contributions for technical applications are improved process monitoring (e.g., temperature control) and the low viscosity of latexes (polymer dispersions). For example, a 3 wt% aqueous solution of polyacrylamide is very viscous, whereas a 50 wt% dispersion of acrylamide is still liquid and therefore easier to process. Modern approaches not only aim at optimized formulations for the synthesis of popular polymers but also contribute fascinating examples of material design on a nanometer scale. Some examples of the synthesis of new materials with outstanding and fascinating properties are presented here to demonstrate the versatility and the potential of inverse heterophase polymerizations.
