Process for preparation of large-particle-size monodisperse

US4247434A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Alan M. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Lovelace · Bethlehem, US
• John W. Vanderhoff · Bethlehem, US
• Fortunato J. Micale · Bethlehem, US
• Mohamed S. El-Aasser · Bethlehem, US
• Dale M. Kornfeld · Huntsville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 29, 1978
• Grant date: Jan 27, 1981
• Expiry date: Dec 29, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08F291/00
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Monodisperse latexes having a particle size in the range of 2 to 40 microns are prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization in microgravity. A reaction mixture containing smaller monodisperse latex seed particles, predetermined amounts of monomer, emulsifier, initiator, inhibitor and water is placed in a microgravity environment, and polymerization is initiated by heating. The reaction is allowed to continue until the seed particles grow to a predetermined size, and the resulting enlarged particles are then recovered. A plurality of particle-growing steps can be used to reach larger sizes within the stated range, with enlarged particles from the previous steps being used as seed particles for the succeeding steps. Microgravity enables preparation of particles in the stated size range by avoiding gravity-related problems of creaming and settling, and flocculation induced by mechanical shear that have precluded their preparation in a normal gravity environment.