Feasibility of Tubular Microreactors for Emulsion Polymerization

The viability of a tubular microreactor for the production of polymer dispersions by emulsion polymerization was investigated. The reactor setup and operational conditions necessary to reach a very stable reactor operation were determined. It was found that stability of pre-emulsion plays a very important role in achieving steady-state performance. Further, the flow pattern of the microreactor was characterized, observing that the dispersion model can be used because of the effect of the radial molecular diffusion. Finally, a comparative study of the styrene emulsion polymerization in microreactor and batch laboratory reactor was performed. Similar kinetics and properties were achieved, indicating enough mixing in the microreactor.

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