Seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization of n‐butyl acrylate: Effect of the seed properties

Abstract

The effect of the properties of the seed (molecular weight and gel content) on the kinetics and structural properties of the polymer produced by seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization of n-butyl acrylate with potassium persulfate as an initiator at 75 °C was studied. The amount of gel and the molecular weights formed in the process were independent of the initial gel contents present in the seed because the instantaneous generation rate of gel polymer is independent of the gel already present in the polymer particles. On the other hand, when the initial molecular weight of the seed was varied, the fraction of gel and the molecular weights formed were partially affected. A comparison between the experimental and model prediction results is also presented.