Abstract
In a treatment of emulsion polymerization as a stochastic process, the effect of the mechanism of growth of an emulsion polymer particle on the final particle size distribution is examined. If the rate of change of polymer volume is given by: dV/ dt = kr α , where k is a constant and r is the radius of the polymer sphere, then it can be shown that for α equal to 0 the volumes are distributed normally, for α equal to 2 the radii are distributed normally, and for α equal to 3 the logarithms of the radii are distributed normally. The Smith-Ewart theory has α equal to 0 as a basic assumption in the derivation of the dependence of the number of particles per milliliter of water on soap and initiator concentration. Since the acrylic latices and a poly (vinyl acetate) latex that have been examined do not have their volumes distributed normally, caution must be used in extending the Smith-Ewart results.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call