Emulsion polymerization : a mechanistic approach

Kinetic and thermodynamic processes: free-radical polymerization reactions; initiation; propagation; bimolecular termination; chain transfer; rates in copolymerizations; cross-linking reactions; the locus of polymerization in emulsion systems; the rate of an emulsion polymerization; the three intervals of emulsion polymerization; ab initio and seeded systems for mechanistic studies; monomer concentration in latex particles; phase-transfer events in emulsion polymerizations; inhomogeneities in latex particles; scope and methods for mechanistic investigation. Theory of the kinetics of particle growth: overview; the simple zero-one system; general description of zero-one systems; the Smith-Ewart equation; chain-length-dependent kinetics - the pseudo-Bulk equation; chain-length-dependent compartmentalized systems; summary and roadmap for modelling particle growth; conclusions. Rate kinetics of particle growth - applications and mechanistic conclusions: rate coefficients and mechanism for entry; rate coefficients and mechanisms for exit; termination; conclusions. Particle size distributions: introduction; measurement of PSDs; the evolution equations for the PSD; solutions of the PSD evolution equations; obtaining kinetic data from the PSD; conclusions. Molecular weight distributions: the importance of molecular weight in polymer systems; definitions of molecular weight distributions and averages; rate parameters determining MWD; modelling the MWD; sample calculation of MWDs; experimental measurement of MWDs; some experimental results; conclusions. Particle formation: introduction; particle formation below the CMC; particle formation above the CMC; some important influences on nucleation; conclusions.