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Emulsion polymerization
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===Surfactants=== Selection of the correct [[surfactant]] is critical to the development of any emulsion polymerization process. The surfactant must enable a fast rate of polymerization, minimize [[coagulum]] or [[fouling]] in the reactor and other process equipment, prevent an unacceptably high viscosity during polymerization (which leads to poor heat transfer), and maintain or even improve properties in the final product such as [[tensile strength]], [[gloss (material appearance)|gloss]], and water absorption. [[Anionic]], [[nonionic]], and [[cationic]] surfactants have been used, although anionic surfactants are by far most prevalent. Surfactants with a low [[critical micelle concentration]] (CMC) are favored; the polymerization rate shows a dramatic increase when the surfactant level is above the CMC, and minimization of the surfactant is preferred for economic reasons and the (usually) adverse effect of surfactant on the physical properties of the resulting polymer. Mixtures of surfactants are often used, including mixtures of anionic with nonionic surfactants. Mixtures of cationic and anionic surfactants form insoluble salts and are not useful. Examples of surfactants commonly used in emulsion polymerization include [[fatty acids]], [[sodium lauryl sulfate]], and [[alpha-olefin sulfonate]].
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