Scribd
Upload
175 views5 pages

Polymerization Method

This document summarizes different polymerization processes including bulk, solution, emulsion, and suspension polymerization. It provides details on each process such as: - Bulk polymerization is carried out without solvent and is useful for polymers like ethylene and MMA where heat removal is critical to avoid explosions. - Solution polymerization uses an inert solvent which allows for better heat control compared to bulk but solvent issues exist. - Emulsion polymerization involves dispersing the hydrophobic monomer in water using a surfactant, with the polymerization occurring in small droplets or micelles and water acting as a heat sink. - Suspension polymerization also uses water but without surfactant, requiring constant ag

Uploaded by

AzmiHafifi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
175 views5 pages

Polymerization Method

This document summarizes different polymerization processes including bulk, solution, emulsion, and suspension polymerization. It provides details on each process such as: - Bulk polymerization is carried out without solvent and is useful for polymers like ethylene and MMA where heat removal is critical to avoid explosions. - Solution polymerization uses an inert solvent which allows for better heat control compared to bulk but solvent issues exist. - Emulsion polymerization involves dispersing the hydrophobic monomer in water using a surfactant, with the polymerization occurring in small droplets or micelles and water acting as a heat sink. - Suspension polymerization also uses water but without surfactant, requiring constant ag

Uploaded by

AzmiHafifi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

2.1.

1
Polymerization Processes
MSE 383, Unit 2-1
Joshua U. Otaigbe
Iowa State University
Materials Science & Engineering Dept.
Polymerization Methods
Bulk
Solution
Emulsion
Suspension
Heat of reaction must be removed otherwise
explosion may occur. (critical problem in bulk)
Get large surface to volume of reacting
monomer in solution, emulsion & suspension
Bulk Polymerization
Reaction is carried out in the absence of
solvent, diluent, or other materials
Useful for epoxy, ethylene, MMA
Heat removal is critical to avoid formation of explosive compounds
Example of Bulk Polymerization
free radical (addition) polymerization of
ethylene (narrow tubular reactors are used
to facilitate heat removal)
Ethylene gas + Oxygen (trace) @ T=200C & 1500 atm.
Advantages of Bulk Polymerization
High yield which depends on reactor volume
Very high purity product formed
Adaptable to copolymerization with other
compatible comonomers (vinyls)
2.1.2
Common Monomers that Polymerize Free Radically
2.1.3
Solution Polymerization
Reaction is carried out in the presence of
inert solvent & initiator (20% monomer +
80% solvent typical)
Useful for polystyrene i.e., 20% styrene +
80% Benzene + initiator
Get temperature rise without solvent.
For e.g.:
T =
nQ
C
p
m
m
0.104 kg
( )
70 kJ
mol
( )
2.1 kJ
kgK
( )
( m kg )
= = 320 K
With solvent, C
p
is same:
>> large reduction in heat generated
T =
nQ
C pm
0.104 kg
( )
70 kJ
mol
( )
2.1 kJ
kgK
( )
( m kg )
= = 64 K
0.2 m
Advantages of Solution Polymerization
Very useful for polymers used as solutions
(e.g. lacquers, paints)
Better heat control
Disadvantages of Solution Polymerization
Potential toxicity, flammability and
environmental pollution (VOC) of solvents
Polymer product contains solvent impurities
Yield is significantly lower than in bulk
polymerization
Expensive due to additional solvent costs
2.1.4
Emulsion Polymerization
Reaction is carried out in monomer
>> Water emulsion phase (or droplet or Micelle)
>> More environmentally safe
EXPLAIN: hydrophobic monomer + surfactant + water
(e.g., surfactants - soaps, detergents, etc.)
monomer
surfactant
water
Reaction occurs in the small droplets (or micelles)
Role of water is that of a heat sink
Product is marketed as polymer-water emulsions
[e.g. water-borne paints, adhesives (white glue), etc.]
Coagulating agents and/or heating used
to separate water from polymer
Surfactant impurity likely in polymer
>> overhead
Suspension Polymerization
Reaction is carried out in monomer
Water dispersions but not stabilized with
surfactant
Therefore constant agitation is a must
Particle size of polymer depends on
droplet size and rate of agitation
Relative to emulsion process:
>> Constant stirring required
>> Easier separation of water from polymer
>> No surfactant impurities in polymer
2.1.5
Suspension Polymerization, Contd
Rapid
Stirring
Polymerization
Rapid
Stirring
Suspended Beads
of Polymer
Water
Suspended Beads
of Monomer
+ Initiator
Schematic representation of suspension polymerization.
Polymerization Processes for Commercial Polymers
Polymer Process
LDPE Bulk
HDPE Solution
PP Solution
PS Bulk; Suspension
PC Bulk
PMMA Bulk; Suspension
PVC Emulsion; Suspension
PET Bulk
PA (Nylons) Bulk
PIsoP Solution
PCR Emulsion
SBP Emulsion
PF Solution
PTFE Suspension
End of Lecture

You might also like