Miniemulsion Polymerization of Styrene in the Presence of Preformed Polymers with Varied Compatibility

RONCO, L.I.; MINARI, R.J.; VEGA, J.R.; GUGLIOTTA, L.M.

Bahía Blanca

Simposio; IX Simposio Argentino de Polímeros - SAP 2011; 2011

In this work, miniemulsion (ME) polymerizations are used to synthesize waterborne PS/PB based-rubber (linear PB and styrene-butadiene randomly-branched copolymer: SBR) nanocomposites. Also, the compatible system that involves PS as pre-dissolved polymer was studied. The effect of ME conditions and the nature and molecular weights of the preformed polymer on kinetics and latex compatibilization, was analyzed. The effect of initiator type, molecular weight, and compatibility of preformed polymers on St ME polymerization was studied. The droplets nucleation is strongly influenced by dd, which in turn is affected by the compatibility between monomer, polymer, and preformed polymer, and by the initiator type and its concentration. For reduced content of low Mw preformed polymers, the droplet diameter is decreased. Finally, the TBHP/AA initiator enhances the droplets nucleation with respect to KPS.