Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Vol.58, No.46, 21118-21129, 2019
Polymerization Induced Phase Separation in Composite Latex Particles during Seeded Emulsion Polymerization
Multiphase structured latex particles have been studied and produced for decades; however, the mechanism governing the polymerization induced phase separation process in such particles remains incomplete. These particles are typically produced by starting with a first, single phase polymer particle dispersion, and then a second polymer, nearly always thermodynamically phase incompatible with the first, is polymerized within those seed particles. The Gibbs free energy change upon demixing is the driving force inducing polymer-polymer phase separation during polymerization (PIPS). However, the ultimate extent of phase separation is dictated by resistances to mutual polymer chain diffusion within the latex particles. Here, we have elucidated and quantified the contributions of thermodynamic driving force and kinetic diffusive limitations to polymer-polymer phase separation within composite nanoparticles. We present a means to evaluate both the influence of chemistry and process conditions on a master plot profile predictive of a wide range of systems.