3. Polymerization techniques
Homogeneous systems
Bulk polymerization
Solution polymerization
Heterogeneous systems
Suspension polymerization
Emulsion polymerization
Precipitation polymerization
Polymerization in solid state
Polymerization in the gas phase

4. Bulk polymerization Advantages Disadvantages Applications
Polymerization of the undiluted monomer. Viscosity increases dramatically during conversion. Heat removal and hot spots
Advantages Disadvantages
* Pure products * heat control
* Simple equipment * dangerous
* No organic solvents * molecular weights
very disperse
Applications
Polymers through step reactions (nylon 6)
PMMA-plates

5. Solution polymerization
Monomer dissolved in solvent, formed polymer stays dissolved. Depending on concentration of monomer the solution does not increase in viscosity.
Advantages Disadvantages
* Product sometimes * Contamination
directly usable with solvent
* Controlled heat * Chain transfer to
release solvent
* Recycling solvent
Applications
Acrylic coating, fibrespinning, film casting

6. Suspension polymerization
Water insoluble monomers are dispersed in water.
Initiator dissolved in monomer.
Stabilization of droplets/polymer particles with non-micelle forming emulsifiers like polyvinylalcohol or Na-carboxymethylcellulose.
Equivalent to bulk polymerization,
small droplets dispersed in water.
Product can easily be separated,
particles mm.
Pore sizes can be controlled by adding a combination of solvent (swelling agent) and non-solvent.
Viscosity does not change much.
Qualitative description of emulsion polymerization kinetics

7. Suspension Polymerization
Advantages Disadvantages
* Heat control simple * Contamination with
* Product directly stabilizing agent
usable * Coagulation possible
* Easy handling
Applications
Ion-exchange resins, polystyrene foam, PVC
Qualitative description of emulsion polymerization kinetics

8. Emulsion Polymerization
A micelle forming emulsifier is used.
Initiator is water soluble.
The formed latex particles are much smaller
than suspension particles ( µm).
Kinetics differ considerable from other techniques.
Polymer is formed within the micelles
and not in the monomer droplets.

9. Qualitative description of emulsion polymerization kinetics
Antonio de Herrera Tordesillas described an application of natural latex in A ball game as part of a religious rite.

10. Emulsion Polymerization
Advantages Disadvantages
* Low viscosity even * Contamination of
at high solid contents products with additives
* Independent control * More complicated
of rate and in case of water
molecular-weight soluble monomers
* Direct application of
complete reactor contents

11. Applications of latices
Paints-Construction
Glues-Adhesives
* Paints / rough casting / heat insulation
* Wood glues / adhesives
for furniture laminates
* Elastomeric coatings / primers
* Additives for cement and concrete
* Adhesives for floor-, wall- and ceiling materials
* Anti corrosives / wood coatings
* Industrial coatings
* Packaging- and lamination glues
* Rheology modifiers
* Adhesion- and contact glues
* Roof coatings
* Leather fibres
* Fillers and levelling powders
* Glues in powder form
* Varnishes
* Structural Adhesives
* Contact Adhesives
Paper
Textiles
* Binders for rubbed paper
* Carpet backside coatings
* Fleece binder
* Boxes and wallpaper
* Spunbond / textile coating
* Equipment of technical textiles
Other
* Pressure binder
/flocculating glue
* Teflon
* Elastomers
Source: Clariant

12. Nanotubes for conductive coatings
Armoured latex particle
Encapsulated pigment
Encapsulated clay platelet