EMULSION POLYMERIZATIONS .2. KINETICS, MOLECULAR-WEIGHT DISTRIBUTIONS, AND POLYMER MICROSTRUCTURE OF EMULSION COPOLYMERS

The kinetics of emulsion copolymerizing systems during intervals II and III (i. e. , after completion of latex particle formation) has been studied through the pseudo-homopolymerization approach. The Smith-Ewart equations for copolymers are reduced to the corresponding equations for homopolymers by introducing suitable pseudo-homopolymerization parameters. Analogies and differences between our results and those of previously reported treatments are critically discussed. Explicit algebraic relationships are reported for both the two-dimensional molecular weight distribution and the unidimensional marginal distribution functions of molecular weight and chemical composition.