Mechanism and kinetic studies of inverse microsuspension polymerisation of acrylic acid using water-soluble redox initiators

Kinetic studies were conducted for polymerisations of acrylic acid using inverse microsuspension and an aqueous surfactant solution with water-soluble redox initiators under isothermal conditions. A reaction scheme for producing primary radicals was developed. Oxygen can act as an oxidant in radical production. A combination of bimolecular and unimolecular termination mechanism was found. Surfactant molecules probably function as a transfer agent. The drop mixing has a strong effect on overall reaction rate in inverse microsuspension polymerisation.