Suspension polymerisation to form polymer beads

The conventional method employed for the production of large beaded particles is suspension polymerisation. A review of suspension polymerisation is presented, with particular reference to variations in chemical composition of the component phases. Both oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems are considered, as are the relevant methods of droplet stabilisation for such systems. Factors governing droplet stability and particle size and morphology are discussed. New developments including the use of continuous type reactors are also included. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.