Process for reducing the residual styrene level of a polystyrene latex.

摘要

A process for reducing the residuat monomer level of a polymer latex prepared by emulsion polymerisation comprises exposing the latex in a separate vessel from that in which the main polymerisation has been carried out to conditions under which free radicals are produced by a secondary catalyst added to the latex, the said catalyst being oil soluble or having an oil soluble component. In a preferred embodiment a polymer latex prepared by the emulsion polymerisation of styrene alone or a mixture containing styrene having a residual styrene level not exceeding 0.1 % based on latex volume may be obtained.