| Abstract: | A detailed dynamic mathematical model that describes the evolution of particle size distributions (PSDs) during emulsion copolymerization reactions in a continuous loop reactor was developed and compared with experimental data. The model is based on the assumption that two distinct particle populations exist: precursor particles and stable latex particles. Precursor particles are colloidally unstable and therefore may undergo coagulation with other precursors and be absorbed by stable latex particles. It is shown that the kinetic model is able to reproduce the rather complex dynamic behavior of the vinyl acetate/Veova10 emulsion copolymerization in a continuous loop reactor, including the development of oscillatory responses of PSDs during reaction start‐up. It is also shown that, for the studied polymerization system, oscillatory responses are obtained only when both particle populations are assumed to exist and when both coagulative and micellar particle nucleations are simultaneously considered. |
