Modeling particle size distribution (PSD) in emulsion copolymerization reactions in a continuous loop reactor

Full Paper: A detailed dynamic mathematical model that describes the evolut ion of particle size distributions (PSDs) during emulsion copolymerization reactions in a continuous loop reactor was developed and compared with expe rimental data. The model is based on the assumption that two distinct parti cle populations exist precursor particles and stable latex particles. Precu rsor particles are colloidally unstable and therefore may undergo coagulati on with other precursors and be absorbed by stable latex particles. It is s hown that the kinetic model is able to reproduce the rather complex dynamic behavior of the vinyl acetate/Veova10 emulsion copolymerization in a conti nuous loop reactor, including the development of oscillatory responses of P SDs during reaction start-up. It is also shown that, for the studied polyme rization system, oscillatory responses are obtained only when both particle populations are assumed to exist and when both coagulative and micellar pa rticle nucleations are simultaneously considered.