Kinetics of the free-radical emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride

Abstract

The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the kinetic data of the emulsion polymerization and copolymerization of vinyl chloride. The current understanding of the kinetics of free-radical polymerization of conventional monomer is briefly described and kinetic data of radical polymerization and copolymerization of vinyl chloride in the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic additives are summarized. Effects of the initiator type and concentration, the reaction conditions and the type of diluent are evaluated. Variation of kinetic and molecular weight parameters in the heterogeneous polymerizations with emulsifier type and concentration are discussed.