Particle formation mechanism and kinetic model of ultrasonically initiated emulsion polymerization

A general kinetic model of particle formation in an ultrasonically initiated emulsion polymerization system is presented. This model takes into account homogeneous, micelle entry, and monomer droplet nucleation mechanism. The effects of the ultrasound in producing free radical, degrading free radical and influencing the fashion of the nucleation are also considered. Moreover, chain transfer to monomer and termination in the aqueous phase, capture of oligomer radicals by particles, and coagulation of particles are also considered. An analytical solution is obtained for the initial particle stage consideration. This model predicts that, if the desorption of radical from particles can be neglected, the concentration of the total radical in the aqueous phase is directly proportional to the cavitation concentration. Model predictions are in good agreement with experimental data obtained from the literature.