Stabilizer-free
dispersion copolymerization is a one-step technique
to produce uniform polymer particles. Due to its fast kinetics and
nucleation, assessing polymer conversion and particle size via off-line
sampling can be a challenge. In addition, off-line analyses, e.g.,
gravimetry and dynamic light scattering, are time-consuming and can
be sample-dependent. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a fast and
non-destructive technique to monitor polymerization reactions in-line.
Stabilizer-free dispersion copolymerization between styrene and maleic
anhydride was carried out via free-radical polymerization using isobutyl
acetate and isopentyl acetate as solvents. Spectra data were collected
in parallel with off-line analysis. Multivariate partial least squares
calibration models were constructed to predict global conversion and
particle size over time. The external validation shows good agreement
between the models and experimental data. NIR can be extended to monitor
systems with fast kinetics and to avoid destructive and time-consuming
analytical methods.