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Batch emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride: Application of experimental design to investigate the effects of operating variables on particle size and particle size distribution
Author(s) -
Pourmehr Mahdi,
Navarchian Amir H.
Publication year - 2008
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.29079
Subject(s) - emulsion polymerization , particle size , vinyl chloride , particle size distribution , emulsion , materials science , monomer , particle (ecology) , polymer chemistry , coagulation , scanning electron microscope , chemical engineering , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemistry , composite material , chromatography , copolymer , polymer , psychology , oceanography , psychiatry , engineering , geology
In this article, the influences of operating variables on the particle size (PS) and particle size distribution (PSD) of emulsion poly(vinyl chloride) in batch reactor were investigated using Taguchi experimental design approach. The variables were temperature (T), water to monomer weight ratio (R), concentrations of initiator ([I]) and emulsifier ([E]), and agitation speed (S). Scanning electron microscope was used together with image analysis software to determine the PS and PSD. Statistical analysis of results revealed that the PS of emulsion poly(vinyl chloride) strongly depends on emulsifier and initiator concentrations, respectively, whereas the other factors have no significant effects in the range of levels investigated in this study. Except initiator concentration, all factors have important influence on the PSD (significance sequence: S > R > T > [E]). It is implied from the greater influence of agitation speed relative to temperature on PSD that the shear coagulation predominates the Brownian coagulation in this system. The relative optimum condition for a typical paste application was also determined using overall evaluation criteria. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009