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Emulsion polymerization of ethylene. I. Polymerization formulas and conditions
Author(s) -
Helin Arthur F.,
Stryker Harry K.,
Mantell Gerald J.
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1965.070090515
Subject(s) - potassium persulfate , emulsion polymerization , polymerization , polymer , cationic polymerization , polymer chemistry , materials science , emulsion , ultimate tensile strength , aqueous solution , chemistry , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering
Formulas and operating conditions for the emulsion polymerization of ethylene are described. Stable latex products were obtained with a variety of anionic and nonionic emulsifiers, but for the majority of the work fatty acids or polyethoxylated alkyl phenols were used. Potassium persulfate was a satisfactory initiator at concentrations of 0.05–0.50 part per 100 parts of aqueous medium. Substitution of up to 15% of the water with tert ‐butyl alcohol increased the latex particle size and the molecular weight of the polymer. Pressures of 3000–5000 psig and temperatures in the range of 80–100°C. provided practical polymerization rates and stable latex products that could be concentrated by evaporation to 40–50% solids. The concentrated products were fluid and stable during storage for one year or more. Polymer isolated from the latexes exhibited a tensile strength of 1100–1400 psi, an elongation of 30–50%, and a Shore D hardness of 40–45.