Simultaneous central of copolymer composition and MWD in emulsion copolymerization

Copolymer composition and molecular-weight distribution of linear copolymer s were controlled simultaneously by maintaining concentrations of the monom ers and chain-transfer agent (CTA) at calculated values. The unreacted amou nts of monomers and CTA were inferred by on-line measurements of the reacti on heat. Styrene/n-butyl acrylate emulsion copolymers of predefined constan t compositions and MWDs (narrow and broad monomodal, and bimodal with diffe rent polydispersities index in each mode) were obtained by this control app roach using tertodecyl mercaptan as CTA.