Thermodynamics of swelling of latex particles with two monomers

Abstract

Abstract The partitioning of two monomers between the latex particle, monomer droplet and aqueous phases of an emulsion polymer latex are measured at saturation swelling of the latex particle phase (corresponding to intervals I and II of an emulsion polymerization). The monomer and polymer types are varied systematically and the experiments are performed at two temperatures. The results of these experiments correspond well to a simplified thermodynamic theory of the saturation swelling of an emulsion polymer with two monomers, in which it is realized that the fraction of one monomer is equivalent in the latex particle and monomer droplet phases. Further, it is shown that Henry's law holds for monomers, both in the absence and in the presence of swollen latex particles. A simple empirical relationship is developed whereby the concentration of two monomers at any ratio can be calculated from the individual saturation concentration of the two monomers in the latex of interest.