A novel reactor for continuous emulsion polymerization

Abstract

It has been demonstrated earlier that a Pulsed Packed Column is a suitable reactor for continuous emulsion polymerization of styrene. The emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate follows a different mechanism, which renders the process more liable to instabilities when carried out in a continuous flow reactor. It was demonstrated that emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate in a Pulsed Packed Column can be carried out in a stable manner, and with a sufficient reaction rate, provided the rate of backmixing is limited.