Role of surfactants in emulsion polymerization: Polymers by design

Abstract

The determination of an emulsifier's adsorption properties under conditions similar to those occurring during emulsion polymerization can provide important information to aid in the selection of the most appropriate surfactant for a given system. Results show that the latex particle size is dependent on the strength of emulsifier adsorption (ΔEads) at the particle/aqueous phase interface and is a function of the polymer polarity. Use of reactive surfactants can improve latex characteristics by reducing the desorption and migration of surfactant to film interfaces and minimize film water sensitivity. The fraction of bound surfactant can be maximized by using relatively low emulsifier concentrations and higher initiator concentrations.