Influence of emulsifiers on particle size and particle size distribution of PVC latex synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization

We synthesized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) latexes via miniemulsion polymerization using a mixture of cetyl alcohol (CA) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). A vinyl chloride miniemulsion is easily prepared by conventional mechanical stirring. Experimental design methods were applied to investigate the effects of composition and polymerization conditions on average particle size (APS) and particle size distribution (PSD) of the latexes produced. The APS of the latexes produced ranged from 0.4-0.7 mu m. When the APS of the latex produced was above 0.7 mu m, the resulting latex was highly unstable. The emulsifier ratio (CA/SLS) was the most prominent factor influencing APS and PSD.