Swelling dissolution behavior conventional ASTs

The thickening mechanisms of linear carboxyl-containing emulsion polymers have been studied in considerable detail. The polymer molecules of AST emulsions are initially in a coiled configuration within individual latex particles of submicrometer size, and the viscosity of the diluted latex emulsion is similar to that of water prior to neutralization. On the addition of base, the carboxyl groups are ionized, and hydrophilic polymer is formed within the particles. Depending on various factors, which will be elaborated on later in this chapter under the section entitled Factors Affecting the Swelling Dissolution Behavior of Conventional ASTs , the particles may only swell or dissolve completely, or the surface polymer may dissolve and leave swollen cores. 

Factors Affecting the Swelling Dissolution Behavior of Conventional ASTs... 

Many studies were conducted by various investigators to determine the effects of polymerization and other parameters on the thickening, swelling, and dissolution behavior of conventional ASTs. A listing of factors known to to have an effect in conventional AST emulsion thickeners (ASE) is given in List 1, and details concerning some of these are provided in the following discussion. 

List 1. Factors Known To Affect the Thickening, Swelling, or Dissolution Behavior of Conventional AST Emulsion Polymers (ASE Thickeners) ... 

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