Requirements for the Polymerization Process

Our aim was to incorporate small polymer particles into the pore volume of the carrier. So the next step was the evaluation of polymerization methods to reach that aim. The requirements for the polymerization process are listed in Table 8.4. 

Commercial ion-exchange resin beads are produced in a suspension polymerization, in which small droplets of monomer are dispersed in water and radical initiators in the monomer start the polymerization. This method can not be used for our intended catalyst preparation because it is not possible to stir a suspension in the pores of a carrier. The particles from suspension polymerization are too big for our purposes. 

Emulsion polymerization gives very small polymer particles, but the use of an emulsifier keeps the particles separated. The polymer particles are removed by convective flow through the carrier, so this process also is not suitable. 

Polymerization in solution leads to a solution of the polymer in the chosen solvent. To prepare a polymer phase inside pores, evaporation of the solvent would be necessary. This leads to a polymer film on the surface of the carrier that does not adhere firmly on the surface. 

Application inside the porous structure of a carrier Homogeneous polymer distribution inside the carrier material Adjustable polymer load High degree of polymer dispersion 

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Table 8.4 Requirements for the Polymerization process of polymer/carrier catalysts...

Fulfills all requirements for the polymerization process with minor process adjustments. 

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