Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.56, No.4, 419-424, 1995
Emulsion Copolymerization of Vinyl Esters in Continuous Reactors - Comparison Between Loop and Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors
The high solids emulsion copolymerization of vinyl acetate and veova 10 was studied in a continuous loop reactor and in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) in an attempt to elucidate the similarities and differences between these reactors. Reactions were carried out under comparable conditions, namely, similar macromixing and the same feed composition and space time. The behavior of both reactors was almost the same when the heat generation rate was low; otherwise, thermal runaway occurred in the CSTR whereas the loop reactor temperature was easily controlled.