Estimation of conversion and copolymer composition in semicontinuous emulsion polymerization using calorimetric data

A new approach to estimate conversion and copolymer composition in semicontinuous emulsion copolymerization systems based on calorimetric measurements was developed. The proposed approach was checked for two different monomer systems: butyl acrylate-styrene and vinyl acetate-butyl acrylate. The estimated values of conversion and copolymer composition obtained from calorimetric data were compared with measurements of conversion and cumulative copolymer composition by gravimetry, gas chromatography and 1H n.m.r. A good agreement was achieved.