Polymer significant effects

Addition Point. The flocculant addition point in a continuous system can also have a significant effect on flocculant performance. The turbulence as the flocculant is mixed in and the floes travel toward the point where they enter the thickener or filter causes both the formation and breakup of floes. Usually there is an optimal addition point or points which have to be determined empirically. In cases where the same polymer is being added at two or more points, the relative amounts added at each point may also affect performance. Thus providing multiple addition points in the design of new installations is recommended (56). 

The introduction of metallocene and single-site polyethylene catalyst systems may eventually change the demand for higher olefins used as comonomers. Some sources indicate that their use will increase the demand for comonomers, but others feel that they will reduce comonomer use. At any rate, it is not expected that their introduction will have a significant effect on comonomer growth rates for the period 1992—1996 (see Olefin polymers). 

A.C7ylonitnk Content. Standard grades available ia the market contain between 15 to 50% acrylonitrile. The acrylonitrile content of nitrile mbber has a significant effect on two properties chemical resistance and low temperature performance. As the acrylonitrile content of the polymer is iacreased, the chemical resistance is improved whereas the low temperature properties are diminished. 

Crosslinking the PSA will increase the solvent resistance of the material and it will also have a significant effect on the rubbery plateau modulus of the polymer. Fig. 8 shows the effect of increasing amounts of a multifunctional az.iridine crosslinker, such as CX-100 (available from Avecia, Blackley, Manchester, UK) on the rheology of an acrylic polymer containing 10% acrylic acid. The amounts of crosslinker are based by weight on the dry weight of the PSA polymer. 

Novolacs are usually made under acidic conditions. Oxalic, sulfuric, toluene sulfonic, phenyl sulfonic, methane sulfonic, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids are the most common catalysts, though nearly any moderately strong acid will probably do. Often selection of the acid has significant effects on the resultant polymer structure or performance. Sometimes acids are selected for their volatility, as it may be necessary to distill the acid off in some processes. 

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