Abstract:
The styrene and butadiene monomers are mixed in an emulsion reactor with
water, catalyst emulsifier (soap) and molecular weight modifier (eg tertdodecy
mercaptan). The polymerisation temperature is low at SoC. The
conversion limit is 60 percent to prevent gel formation, this will typically
be achieved in 12-15 hours.
Butadiene and styrene are removed from the latex by vacuum and steam
stripping respectively and recycled after purification.
The product rubber is recovered by coagu 1at i ng the latex, dewatered and
dried.
