Solution polymerization dissolves a monomer and catalyst in a non-reactive solvent to create wet polymers and copolymers. The process offers precise control but has the disadvantage of difficulty in removing excess solvent. Careful selection of solvents is essential to avoid dangerous chain reactions. The process is commonly used to produce polymers with unique properties, including sodium polyacrylate in disposable diapers and synthetic elastomers in products such as latex gloves and wetsuits.
Solution polymerization is used to create polymers and copolymers by dissolving a monomer and a catalyst in a non-reactive solvent. During this process, the liquid solvent absorbs the heat generated by the chemical reaction which controls the rate of reaction. The liquid solvent used in the solution polymerization procedure usually remains a solvent for the resulting polymer or copolymer. This process is only suitable for creating wet types of polymers, as excess solvent removal is difficult. While removal of excess solvent is possible using distillation, it is usually not considered economically feasible in an industrial setting.
The solution polymerization process offers some advantages and one important disadvantage. Benefits include precise control of the chemical reaction, control of the resulting heat and viscosity, and control of the automatic acceleration of the process. The disadvantage of the process is the inherent difficulty in removing excess solvent from the finished polymer.
The solvents used in the solution polymerization procedure must be chosen carefully. A non-reactive monomer solvent is essential to the process. If a reactive solvent is used, dangerous chain reaction processes or other unwanted effects may occur due to the automatic acceleration. Self-acceleration is a reaction that occurs when the heat produced by polymerization is not dissipated quickly enough by the solvent. As heat builds, the viscosity of the solution increases, causing the curing process to speed up beyond safe control.
Industrial solution polymerization processes are commonly used to produce polymers with special characteristics. The chemical reaction that takes place between the monomer and the catalyst can impart unique properties to the final product. An example of this type of polymer is sodium polyacrylate, the exceptionally absorbent polymer used in disposable diapers.
While this process is generally not feasible for dry polymers, it works well for wet types of polymers. The industrial solution polymerization process is used to create polymers and copolymers that can be used in their solution form. Examples of this use include industrial glues and surface coatings.
Synthetic elastomers can also be produced using the solution polymerization process. This method produces a more precise polymer than emulsion polymerization methods. By controlling the addition of refined monomers to the catalyst-solvent solution, the resulting polymers can be accurately engineered for specific properties. These synthetic elastomers are commonly found in products such as latex gloves, neoprene wetsuits and floor covering materials.
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