Semibatch emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate

Abstract

Abstract The concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in the initial reactor charge is the most important parameter in determining the particle size of a semibatch emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA). The number of particles formed is proportional to the concentration of SLS to the 0.5–1.2 power and it is proportional to the concentration of the nonyl phenol–40 mol ethylene oxide adduct to the 0.014–0.72 power. The number of particles is almost independent of the concentration of the initiator. The solubility of monomer in water has an important effect on the nucleation mechanism according to the literature. However, the ratio of MMA to BA does not show any significant effect on the latex particle size in our laboratory. The particle size also increases with increasing ionic strength or agitation speed. Experimental data of particle‐size distribution and molecular weight distribution support the coagulative nucleation mechanism when the concentration of SLS is way below its critical micelle concentration (CMC). © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.