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Continuous emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate. Part I: Experimental studies
Author(s) -
Kiparissides C.,
Macgregor J. F.,
Hamielec A. E.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450580108
Subject(s) - continuous stirred tank reactor , vinyl acetate , emulsion polymerization , polyvinyl acetate , polymerization , polymer , chemical engineering , materials science , economies of agglomeration , emulsion , residence time (fluid dynamics) , polymer chemistry , chemistry , composite material , engineering , copolymer , geotechnical engineering
Abstract An interesting feature of commercial continuous emulsion polymerization reactors is the important phenomenon of sustained oscillations. Laboratory investigations of emulsion polymerization in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) have shown that the conversion, number of polymer particles and other related properties often oscillate widely with time. These oscillations can lead to emulsifier levels too small to adequately cover polymer particles resulting in excessive agglomeration and reactor fouling. Herein is reported an extensive experimental study of vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization in a CSTR. The effects of initiator and emulsifier concentrations, mean residence time and rate of agitation on the production rate and size distribution of polyvinyl acetate latices were investigated. Domains of reactor operation which give rise to sustained oscillations and massive agglomeration of the latex are mapped which give rise to sustained oscillations and massive agglomeration of the latex are mapped out. The effect of different start‐up policies on reactor transients were also investigated.