Work

Fouling in Emulsion Polymerization: Fundamentals and Methods of Investigation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The current understanding of fouling in emulsion polymerization is summarized from an engineering perspective and from a physical‐chemistry perspective. Emulsion polymerization in semibatch mode offers better control over the number of particles and side reactions than batch mode. Both reaction fouling and particulate fouling are observed, the latter being related to coagulation. Thin fouling layers are not necessarily detrimental to the process. The conditions leading to thick layers, which eventually clog pipes, are topics of current research. The fouling material usually is soft because the reaction temperature is above the glass temperature of the polymers involved. At the time for formation, the layers may or may not be compact. They may age by compactification. Special attention is given to modern techniques to monitor fouling in situ. That includes the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D).

Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science

DOI: 10.1002/app.57645

Authors: Holly A. Huellemeier, Kevin M. Hoffmann, Olinda Sidorow, Stephan Scholl, Wolfgang Augustin, Diethelm Johannsmann

Institutions: Technische Universität Braunschweig, Clausthal University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Rheology and Fluid Dynamics Studies

Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,140

Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft