Synthesis of high oil‐absorption resins of poly(methyl methacrylate‐butyl methacrylate) by suspended emulsion polymerization

The synthesis of high oil‐absorption resins by suspended emulsion polymerization process for the first time with butyl methacrylate (BMA) and short‐chain methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the monomers was studied. And the effects of different polymerization technological parameters, such as the comonomer, initiator, crosslinker, emulsifier, dispersant agent, and the agitation rate, on the oil absorbency of high oil‐absorption resins were discussed in detail. The optimum polymerization conditions were obtained. With the increasing contents of these factors, the oil absorbency increased first, and then decreased. The highest oil absorbency to toluene was 17.6 g/g. The particle morphology of the high oil‐absorption resins was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resins were determined by FTIR spectrometry. Compared with the high oil‐absorption resins prepared by suspension polymerization process and emulsion polymerization process, the high oil‐absorption resins prepared by suspended emulsion polymerization process had the higher oil absorbency, faster oil‐adsorbing rate, better oil‐retention, and regeneration property. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.