Micro mixing effects in continuous radical polymerization

In this study the development of a continuous radical solution polymerization process for acrylates in a lab scale tube reactor was performed. Fouling in the reactor was always observed if there were bad mixing conditions at the feed point of the reactor. In order to increase the homogenization of monomer and initiator a micro mixer was installed at the reactor inlet. The micro mixer ensured a very fast mixing at the micro scale of the preheated monomer and initiator solutions, and fouling was reduced tremendously.