Suspension Polymerizations Processes

Abstract

The production of polymer particles through suspension polymerization still attracts the attention of academia and industry, resulting in many papers and patents published every year about this theme. Suspension polymerization processes are extensively used because of their many competitive advantages, including the easy separation of the polymer particles, easy removal of the heat of reaction, easy temperature control, and low levels of impurities and additives in the final polymer resin. For this reason, such processes are suitable for production of polymer resins intended for many distinct applications, including biotechnological, medical, and dental applications. In this context, the main objective of the article is to discuss the fundamental aspects of suspension polymerization processes, focusing on the effects of the main process variables on the performance of suspension polymerizations and highlighting new suspension technologies, such as suspension polycondensations, controlled suspension reactions, and continuous operations.