Radiation-induced polymerization of styrene in highly concentrated (gel-like) emulsions

The effect of the composition of highly concentrated emulsions on the polymerization process was studied. It was shown that the degree of coverage of the droplet surface in the initial emulsion and of the latex particles in the course of polymerization by an emulsifier is equal to unity. Virtually the whole emulsifier is adsorbed by microdroplets and (or) latex particles. Large monomer droplets, whose fraction (of the total amount of monomer) is determined by the emulsifier to monomer ratio, are formed in the process of emulsion preparation after the emulsifier is completely adsorbed on the microdroplet surface. Basic kinetic parameters of styrene polymerization were established with allowance made for the emulsion composition.