Miniemulsion Polymerization of 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate. Polymer Architecture Control and Adhesion Properties

The feasibility of independent control of the gel fraction and sol molecular weight distribution in the miniemulsion polymerization of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate using symmetrical and nonsymmetrical cross-linkers and a chain transfer agent was investigated. It was found that the very reactive symmetrical cross-linker had only a limited effect on polymer architecture, whereas the nonsymmetrical cross-linker and the chain transfer agent had a profound effect allowing decoupling gel and sol molecular weight. Adhesive properties were mainly controlled by the gel content of the polymer.