The effect of aqueous-phase solubility on free-radical exit from latex particles

Abstract

The technique of γ-radiolysis relaxation is used to study the rate coefficient for exit (desorption) of free radicals from styrene latex particles at 30 °C in the presence of methanol (which serves to increase the solubility of monomer in the aqueous phase). The observed exit rate coefficient is directly proportional to the solubility of monomer in the aqueous phase, until the latter becomes so high that the transfer-dominated limit is reached. These results are in quantitative agreement with the Nomura transfer/diffusion theory for exit.