Effect of reactor’s positions on polymerization and degradation in an ultrasonic field

Ultrasonic generators are used as emulsifiers and efficient alternative initiators in polymerization processes. In this study, the effects of reactor’s position on the emulsion polymerization of styrene under indirect ultrasonic irradiation were investigated, along with the effects of reactor’s position on chemical and physical degradation. Both polymer yield and molecular weight were influenced by the position of the reactor. The ultrasonic irradiation could be divided into three stages, and the molecular weight of the polymer was influenced by polymerization and degradation processes. It was found that the extent of radical generation estimated by KI oxidation dosimetry and the shock wave index obtained from studies of degradation of standard polymer were useful for controlling the characteristics of the polymer generated.