Phase equilibrium, aqueous systems high polymers

In eqn (3], Fi is the instantaneous copolymer composition referred to monomer 1, and rj and r2 are the monomer reactivity ratios for monomer 1 and 2 (terminal model), respectively. During intervals I and II, the concentration of the monomers in the polymer partides are governed by the partitioning of the monomers among monomer droplets, polymer particles, and aqueous phase. In interval III, there are no droplets and the monomer is mostly located in the polymer particles. The concentration of the monomers in the polymer partides depends on the relative values of mass transfer and polymerization rates. Except for poorly emulsified, highly water-insoluble systems, mass transfer is much faster than polymerization rate, and hence the concentration of monomers in the different phases is given by the thermodynamic equilibrium. 

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