Downloaded by 119.146.32.73 on March 31, 2016 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: June 3, 1992 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1992-0492.pr001
Preface THE FIELD OF EMULSION POLYMERS and latex technology continues to develop at a rapid pace. The driving force for this development is both commercial and environmental; latexes are water-based polymers in the form of colloidal particles dispersed in an aqueous medium. Millions of pounds of latexes are manufactured today for use as commodity and specialty polymers in a wide variety of applications, such as synthetic rubber, coatings, paints, adhesives, caulks, sealants, binders for nonwoven fabrics, high-impact thermoplastic composites, latex foam, carpet backing, and as additives in construction materials such as cement and concrete. Latexes arefindingnew and numerous applications in the biomedical and biotechnologyfields,such as in diagnostic tests for AIDS, immunoassays, biological cell-labeling, and drug-delivery systems. These applications and future developments in the latex field are based on advances in our understanding of the mechanism and kinetics of emulsion polymerization, the process by which latex is manufactured. Equally important are the relationships between process parameters and the colloidal, surface, and morphological properties of the latex particles themselves, as well as the properties of the end products in which the latex particles are employed. The symposium on which this book is based focused on three aspects of emulsion polymerization and latex technology: the mechanisms of par ticle nucleation (the most important and most controversial step in emul sion polymerization) and particle growth; microstructure and particle morphology; and recent advances in applications such as immunodiagnostics, encapsulation of pigments, and catalysis. Two leading scientists in thefieldwere invited to review the state of the art of the mechanisms of particle nucleation and growth. Finn K. Hansen (University of Oslo, Norway) contributed a personal view of where the theories of nucleation in emulsion polymerization currently stand and where further advances are required In the next chapter, Robert G. Gilbert (University of Sydney, Australia) and his colleagues first examine data that have been used to prove or disprove micellar nucleation; they then provide further information and arguments for a combined nucleation mechanism. Of the following chapters, six contributions relate to recent progress in the area of particle formation and growth. Advances in the study and characterization of polymer microstructure and particle morphology are ix Daniels et al.; Polymer Latexes ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1992.
Downloaded by 119.146.32.73 on March 31, 2016 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: June 3, 1992 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1992-0492.pr001
discussed in 11 chapters. Seven chapters deal with diverse applications of and extensionsfrompolymer latexes in such areas as catalysis and immunodiagnostics. The best excuse for organizing a symposium and the best way of ensuring its success in terms of participation is to honor a colleague. This symposium was organized to honor Robert M. Fitch and his contri butions to thefieldof emulsion polymerization. His fame in thisfieldis due to, among other contributions, the quantification of the homogene ous mechanism for particle formation in emulsion polymerization. The symposium, which succeeded in attracting numerous scientists from academia and industry, resulted in lively discussions about the current status and outstanding issues in the field. This volume should prove use ful to engineers and scientists who are actively involved in thefieldsof emulsion polymerization and latex technology. We thank all of the authors for their prompt responses to our requests. In addition, we thank the many reviewers, whose names will remain anonymous, for putting up with our intrusion on their time and for making valuable suggestions to the authors. ERIC S. DANIELS E . DAVID SUDOL MOHAMED S. EL-AASSER Lehigh University Bethlehem, P A 18015 January 24, 1992
x Daniels et al.; Polymer Latexes ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1992.
