Nalco/exxon Energy Chemicals,l.p.

Nalco/exxon Energy Chemical L.p.

Hester A Clever

Allen R Syrinek

The present invention relates to a method of terminating a free-radical initiated emulsion polymerization by utilizing a shortstopping agent that contains a stable nitroxyl free-radical or is capable of forming a stable nitroxyl free radical in situ. Besides more effective stopping of polymerization, the present invention does not contain nitrosamine precursors nor is the shortstop agent easily removed during latex and polymer processing.

Shortstop agents for vinyl polymerizations

The invention comprises a method of dispersing foulants, residues, gums, precipitates, polymeric tars and other highly oxidized carbonaceous tars which can be formed in the process of manufacture and recovery of acrylic acid. The method comprises adding to the liquid or gaseous phases passing through, or stored in acrylic acid process equipment, an effective antifouling amount of a dispersant which is stable in the environment within an acrylic acid process and is compatible with the equipment used for the manufacture of acrylic acid.

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Sugar Land, TX, United States of America

Hester A Clever