The versatility of the emulsion copolymerization reaction and the ability to control the properties of the final latices have led to rapid expansion both in the quantity of polyvinylacetate and vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer latices and in their applications. Vinyl Acetate Emulsion Polymerization and Copolymerization with Acrylic Monomers provides

It is particularly appropriate that this symposium on the emulsion polymeriza tion of vinyl acetate was held in recognition of the industrial importance of poly(vinyl acetate) and vinyl acetate copolymers, and their rather unique properties among emulsion polymers in general. Poly( vinyl acetate) latexes were the first synthetic polymer latexes to be made on a commercial scale: their production using polyvinyl alcohol as emulsifier began in Germany during the mid-1930s and has continued to the present day, growing steadily with the years. Indeed, poly(vinyl acetate) latexes prepared with polyvinyl alcohol are still one of the mainstays of the adhesives industry. With the passing of time, however, vinyl acetate copolymers have been developed: copolymers with maleate esters such as dibutyl maleate, acrylate esters such as ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate, versatic acid esters, and, more recently, ethylene. These versatile copolymers have found increasing use in more sophisticated adhesives with specialized properties, adhesives for clay coatings on paper, carpet backing, and interior and exterior paints. Thus more than 45 years after the first commercial production of vinyl acetate latexes, their use is still growing, both in actual quantities and different applications. The industrial importance of vinyl acetate latexes makes the mechanism and kinetics of their emulsion polymerization of practical as well as scientific interest.

There is a large body of Soviet work on emulsion polymerization, spanning a period of over three decades, that has been published primarily in the Russian language. Most of this has remained untranslated into English and hence un available to most other scientists. The value of this book lies primarily in the fact that it brings together the most important of these Soviet contributions, along with comment and analysis by the authors, who may be considered among the foremost authorities in this field in the Soviet Union. But the hundreds of literature citations go far beyond the borders of the Soviet Union and serve as an excellent bibliography of the world literature on emulsion polymerization up to the time this book was written. The book covers both fundamental and applied aspects. In the former are included discussions of particle formation mechanisms, a comprehensive theory of emulsion polymerization, copolymerization of polar monomers, and particle morphology and its implications with regard to derived film properties. Among the applied aspects are discussions of continuous emulsion polymerization, both tubular reactors and continuous stirred tank cascades, and various aspects con cerning the manufacture of some of the most important monomers, such as styrene, butadiene, vinyl acetate, methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile, and chloroprene. This book will be an indispensable reference source for scientists who are entering the field as well as those who are experienced and who have wanted a ready access to this large body of literature.

This book includes 49 chapters presented as plenary , invited lectures and posters at the conference. Six plenary lectures have published in an issue of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Vol. 79, No. 12, 2007; the titles of these presentations are given as an Annex at the end of the book. I thank all contrib utors for the preparation of their presentations. It is sad to report that Professor Hitoshi Ohtaki, one of the founders of the Eurasia conferences and contributors passed away on November 5, 2006. Professor Ohtaki enthusiastically promoted international cooperation and took it upon himself to p- licize Japanese science to the wider world. His contribution in this book will serve as a memorable contribution to that goal. He will be missed by all of us. This book is dedicated to his memory. Professor Dr . Bilge S ̧ ener Editor Memorial Tribute to Professor Dr. Hitoshi Ohtaki Curriculum Vitae of Hitoshi Ohtaki Date of Birth September 16, 1932 Place of Birth T ok yo, Japan Date of Decease November 5, 2006 (at the age of 74) Addr ess 3-9-406 Namiki-2-chome, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Japan Institution Chair Professor of The Research Organization of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University Guest Professor of Yokohama City University Education Bachelor of Science, Nagoya University, 1955 Master of Science, Nagoya University, 1957 Doctor of Science, Nagoya University, 1961 ix x Memorial Tribute to Professor Dr.

During the last ten to fifteen years the developments in polymer science has been striking attention and undergone important changes. From rather specialized subject intended for engineers interested in certain definite fields, it has developed into one of the fundamental disciplines common to several branches of engineering and science. To serve this purpose, the subject materials have been prepared to treat a comprehensive aspects of polymer science. Following this trend, a number of rigorous books have discussed different types of polymers with great precision and elegance and at relatively high levels of abstraction, but none is complementary. A position midway between the older, traditional approach in engineering and the recent, somewhat formal expositions seems to be evolving.

The series Advances in Polymer Science presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science. It covers all areas of research in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, material science.The thematic volumes are addressed to scientists, whether at universities or in industry, who wish to keep abreast of the important advances in the covered topics.Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist.Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Single contributions can be specially commissioned.Readership: Polymer scientists, or scientists in related fields interested in polymer and biopolymer science, at universities or in industry, graduate students

A comprehensive and up to date survey of the science and technology of polymeric dispersions. The book discusses the kinetics and mechanisms of polymerization in dispersed media, examines the processes controlling particle morphology, presents both off-line and on-line methods for the characterization of polymer colloids, considers reactor engineering and control, and covers a wide variety of applications, such as latex paint formulations, encapsulation of inorganic particles, reactive latexes, adhesives, paper coating, and biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Audience: A valuable resource for scientists and engineers, academic and industrial, who are involved in the manufacture or application of polymeric dispersions.

In this special volume on polymer particles, recent trends and developments in the synthesis of nano- to micron-sized polymer particles by radical polymerization (Emulsion, Miniemulsion, Microemulsion, and Dispersion Polymerizations) of vinyl monomers in environmentally friendly heterogeneous aqueous and supercritical carbon dioxide fluid media are reviewed by prominent worldwide researchers. In addition to the important challenges and possibilities with regards to design and preparation of functionalized polymer particles of controlled size, the topics described are of great current interest due to the increased awareness of environmental issues.

Up-to-date coverage of methods of emulsion polymerization This book provides a comprehensive reference on emulsion polymerization methods,focusing on the fundamental mechanisms and kinetics of each process, as well as howthey can be applied to the manufacture of environmentally friendly polymeric materials. Topics covered include: Conventional emulsion polymerization Miniemulsion polymerization Microemulsion polymerization Industrial emulsion polymerization processes (primarily the semibatch and continuous reactions systems) The role of various colloidal phenomena in emulsion polymerization Important end-use properties of emulsion polymer (latex) products Information on industrial applications in paints, coatings, adhesives, paper and board, and more This is a hands-on reference for graduate students and professionals in polymerchemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science who are involved in researchon coatings, adhesives, rubber, latex, paints, finishes, and other materials that can becreated using various methods of emulsion polymerization.

This new edition of the bestselling Handbook of Thermoplastics incorporates recent developments and advances in thermoplastics with regard to materials development, processing, properties, and applications. With contributions from 65 internationally recognized authorities in the field, the second edition features new and updated discussions of seve