An Updated Review on Suspension Polymerization

An updated review on suspension polymerization is presented. The time period from 1991 to 1995 is stressed, as well as research articles or reports not considered in previous reviews. Our review is aimed at providing a sound basis for the theoretical background required to build an effective model for the particle size distribution (PSD) in suspension polymerization. All major phenomena that affect the PSD are considered, and a proposed approach to develop an accurate, yet simple, model is included. Most of the experimental information in this review is related to the styrene/divinylbenzene copolymerization system, although the ideas and models are not exclusive to this system.