Fundamentals


Research

Polymerization in dispersed media usually involves several monomers of different reactivity ratios that are polymerized in a multiphase system, where they partition differently among the phases. Many interesting products contain multiphase particles generated by phase separation during polymerization. The system is thermodynamically unstable and kinetic stabilization is provided by surfactants or other stabilizing moieties. In order to address the challenges associated to this complex polymerization process, a strong research program aimed at unveiling the fundamental aspects of the process is in place. Key topics of this program are polymerization mechanisms, radical entry and exit; particle morphology, and role of the surfactants and particle nucleation.

Coordinator: José M. Asua