Effect of impurities on emulsion polymerization: Case II kinetics

Abstract The effects of water‐soluble and monomer‐soluble impurities on the kinetics of emulsion polymerization of monomers following Case II kinetics (e.g., styrene) are investigated. Experimental studies reveal that impurities can have an appreciable effect on both polymer particle nucleation and growth. These effects are shown to be well predicted by a mathematical model.