Preparation of Poly(vinyl chloride) Latexes Using a Dual Surfactant System: The Effect in the Particle Size Distribution

Abstract

The control of the average particle size and size distribution in the emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer is an important parameter to determine, not only the latex characteristics, but also the properties of the final dispersion powder in several industrial applications. It is possible to manipulate the particle size distribution (PSD) by applying a mixture of an anionic surfactant-fatty alcohol before the start of the free radical polymerization. Contrary to the procedures of the miniemulsion and the derivative diffusional swelling techniques, no kind of high shear is applied to the monomer and/or surfactant mixtures. In fact, the concentration and selection of the anionic surfactant, together with the fatty-alcohol, can play an interesting role on the final PSD of the polymer's particles