Diluent solution stability/solubility

In this process, the monomer and iniliator are soluble in the continuous phase and the polymer particles, which precipitate as they are produced, are stabilized against coagulation by dispersants that comprise di fferent segments that are respectively soluble and insoluble in the continuous phase. Dispersion polymerizations have been used successfully as an alternative to solution polymerization of vinyl polymers for application as surface coatings. In that case the diluents are usually aliphatic hydrocarbons, and the process acronym is NAD [for nonaqueous dispersion]. 

Solution Studies. The solubility of additives within an optical fiber coating material is of prime importance since particulates can damage the surface of the glass (14) in addition to causing pinholes or tears in the coating. Solubility data for a number of commercial stabilizers are summarized in Table I. The most soluble stabilizers in the acrylate diluent are monomeric materials, particularly those with long alkyl chains. 

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