Project Details:

Polymerization Processes and Polymers in Dispersed Systems

> reinitiate as project2002-017-1-400

During the last decade, new types of polymerizations in dispersed systems have been invented and polymer particles with new kinds of properties and structures have been synthesized. Consequently, a large group of industrially important polymerization processes is now carried out in dispersed systems. Also, polymers in dispersed systems are used in diverse areas, such as the paint industry, microelectronics, medicine, cosmetics and biotechnology. Due to their complicated compositions and structures, the same name is often used, in scientific journals and at conferences, for different processes or products and, conversely, different names are used for the same process or product. In many instances, lack of clarity leads to confusion and to difficulties in proper scientific and technological understanding.

Previously, some attempts have been made to unify selected groups of terms related to polymerizations in dispersed systems. However, a concerted and broad-based effort is now needed to prepare and define properly the comprehensive list of terms and definitions essential to describe, unambiguously, new, dispersed polymerization processes and products. At the same time, definitions of many of the older processes and products already existing in books and papers would be clarified. A thorough, internationally-based feasibility study has shown that more than 200 terms need to be considered and that more than 50 are indispensable.

The first draft of terms was discussed during a working meeting at a Gordon Conference in 1999. Further discussions will be required to achieve agreement amongst subject specialists. A new list of terms is being prepared for evaluation by the Working Party and specialists in the International Polymer Colloid Group.