Role of micellar equilibria on modelling of batch emulsion polymerization reactors

A comprehensive model of emulsion polymerization batch reactors is presented. The nucleation mechanism via micelles is examined in detail through the introduction of a micellar equilibria model. This allows to predict the influence on the process of the emulsifier amount and type and of the solution ionic strength. A comparison with experimental data of styrene and butadiene polymerization is performed.