Comparative Study of Continuous-Flow Reactors for Emulsion Polymerization.

ABSTRACT: Polymer fouling in batch and tubular reactors creates safety hazards from heat buildup and blockages. The continuous Corning Advanced-Flow™ Reactor (AFR) offers enhanced mass and heat transfer, improving safety and efficiency. This study evaluated three reactor systems-a monolithic AFR, an AFR with an external pipe, and a conventional tubular reactor-for the mini-emulsion polymerization of styrene and subsequent styrene-acrylic acid copolymerization. The AFR operability under varying monomer concentrations was assessed and investigated, with the residence time's effects on conversion. For styrene polymerization at 20-35 wt% monomer, the highest conversions achieved were 88.0% in the AFR, 85.8% in the tubular reactor, and 98.9% in the AFR with pipe. Uniform particles were obtained at ≤30 wt

SUBMITTER: Chin KY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12430675 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature