Development of a polymerization process for the production of polymers with low residual monomer content

• Grant number: 98/03194-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE
• Start date: January 01, 1999
• End date: September 30, 2005
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Reinaldo Giudici
• Grantee: Reinaldo Giudici
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Rhodia Poliamida e Especialidades Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

The objective of this research was to develop polymerization processes in which the end product had a reduced content of free monomer, without sacrificing the productivity of the process. The innovation consisted of acting on the polymerization process through the use of new initiators and additives, as well as of strategies for adding raw materials during the process and of temperature variations. This made it possible to reduce the process periods associated with the extraction of the residual monomer and to diminish the losses of monomer in this separation. The objective was to meet and to surpass international standards relating to permitted levels of volatile compounds in the product. The technology in use then was based on the extraction by steam, which affects productivity with an additional stage, and creates effluents that have to be treated. (AU)