Emulsion Polymerisation Set-Up Apparatus

The set-up is used to carry out the emulsion polymerization involving the polymerization of an unsaturated monomer like Styrene. The emulsion is of the type: oil in water, the monomer is oil soluble & the initiator is water-soluble & an emulsifier is used to create a stable emulsion. Apparatus can be used to generate the kinetic data for emulsion polymerization under various operating conditions like temperature, emulsifier concentration, etc. Polymerization is carried out under the atmosphere of air-free nitrogen. The set-up consists of a jacketed type SS reactor fitted with a variable speed agitator & baffles. Hot water from a digitally controlled water bath is circulated in the jacket using a pump. Metered quantity of nitrogen gas from a cylinder passes through a de-oxygenation column & allowed to enter the reactor. Air has to be evacuated using a vacuum pump to create a vacuum of up to 30mm of Hg before passing the nitrogen supply. Initiator from the reservoir is supplied to the reactor under pressure. Set-up is complete & self-contained with sampling ports

Experimentation/Learning Objectives:
The parameter studies are conducted involving studies of
• Effect of RPM on conversion.
• Effect of Initiator concentration.
• Effect of monomer concentration
• Effect of emulsifier concentration.

Utilities Required
The parameter studies are conducted involving studies of
• Effect of RPM on conversion.
• Effect of Initiator concentration.
• Effect of monomer concentration
• Effect of emulsifier concentration.