City Research Online

Abstract

Emulsion and suspension polymerisations of acrylates were carried out in the absence of emulsifiers. The reaction systems were stabilised by the combination of a small amount of protective colloid i.e. poly(vinyl alcohol) and continuous ultrasonic homogenisation. A commercially available ultrasonic homogenizer, the "whistle reactor" was used in a closed loop system comprising a pump, an ultrasonic homogenising head and a reaction vessel. Emulsion and suspension polymerisations were carried out in such equipment using thermal, redox and photo- initiators. A series of polyacrylate latexes have been produced using this whistle reactor.

Investigations have also been carried out into the possibility of using such polyacrylate latexes as an alternative for the solution-based polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives. Pressure-sensitive adhesives were prepared in both a batch reactor by solution polymerisations and in the whistle reactor by emulsion and suspension polymerisations. They were characterised and compared.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry
Departments:	School of Science & Technology School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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