Study of Monomer Droplets in Miniemulsions
The droplet size distribution (DSD) of miniemulsions can be successfully characterized using, with adaptation, particle sizing techniques such as capillary hydrodynamic fractionation (CHDF), acoustic attenuation spectroscopy (AAS), surfactant titration, and microscopy. Because these techniques vary in size range suitability, a combination should be utilized to fully observe the DSD, which can range from tens of nanometers to several microns. The DSDs of a styrene miniemulsion were measured via different techniques. Although the measurement ranges of the techniques differ, there is good agreement between the distributions. The DSD obtained from AAS shows the presence of micron-scale droplets, observable via optical microscopy.
Study of Monomer Droplets in Miniemulsions
Miniemulsion technology offers possible applications such as encapsulation of pigments, oils, and polymers, and polymerization of highly water-insoluble monomers not possible via conventional emulsion polymerization. Fundamental understanding of miniemulsions has been hindered by ignorance of their droplet size distribution (DSD). In this work, the droplet size and size distribution of miniemulsions have been characterized using, with adaptation, particle sizing techniques such as capillary hydrodynamic fractionation (CHDF), acoustic attenuation spectroscopy (AAS), surfactant titration, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and microscopy. › Continue reading
Study of Monomer Droplets in Miniemulsions
Miniemulsion technology offers the ability to produce latexes that cannot be prepared via conventional methods, such as those using highly water-insoluble monomers, or encapsulates of pigments, oils, and polymers. Fundamental understanding of miniemulsions has been hindered by the inability to measure and monitor their droplet size distribution (DSD), which is thought to lie in the range of 50 to 500 nm. The goals of this work are to characterize the DSD of miniemulsions, understand the mechanisms that determine it, and seek methods to control it. › Continue reading