Emulsion copolymerization of styrene andn-butyl acrylate in presence of acrylic and methacrylic acids: Effect of pH on kinetics and carboxyl group distribution

Abstract

The batch emulsion copolymerization of styrene with n-butyl acrylate in the presence of acrylic and methacrylic acids was investigated. Values of reaction rate and conversion observed at different pH values were examined. The effect of pH on the glass transition temperature of the polymers was also investigated and the results compared with model predictions. Its effect on the distribution of the carboxyl groups at different positions within the emulsion system (surface and core of particles, and in the aqueous phase) was also analyzed. Three methods were used to measure the number of carboxyl groups: conductimetry, organic phase potentiometry, and titration with a solution of sodium hydroxide in methanol. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 2343–2355, 1997