Seeded emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate: order of reaction with respect to initiator

The emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate has been studied using carefully prepared seed lattices. Experiments were carried out in which temperature, particle size and the monomer-polymer ratio could be varied independently. In all cases the polymerization rate was proportional to the initiator concentration raised to the 0.7 power. No new particles were formed. The importance of polymerization in the aqueous phase and changes in the propagation rate coefficient are discussed.