Novel Industrial Application of Miniemulsion Polymerization – Use of Alkali Soluble Resin as Surfactant in Miniemulsion Polymerization

Abstract

Abstract Nowadays, the great versatility of the miniemulsion polymerization technique to synthesize novel and high value added materials attracts great interest from both the academic and the industrial community. Recently, a novel process based on the use of alkali soluble resin (ASR) as sole surfactant in miniemulsion polymerization for high solids content latexes has been disclosed. This new technology opens a vast field for the production of high performance latexes for industrial applications, as well as an interesting topic for future academic research. This work presents the key factors influencing the use of ASR in aqueous polymer dispersions, highlighting the differences in terms of types and concentrations of ASR used in conventional and miniemulsion polymerization. The effects of type of initiator, ASR concentration and type, as well as solids content on the miniemulsion polymerization of styrene and acrylic monomers are presented.