Reactor platforms for rapid screening of emulsion polymerisation formulations

小型连续搅拌槽式反应器的叶栅作为管式系统的替代品，在流动中进行多相化学反应，得到了广泛的应用。在利兹大学，我们开发了一种反应器（fReactor）并将其商业化，该反应器用于进行单相和多相连续过程，包括反应，乳化和结晶。我们还使用fReactors在溶液和分散体系中成功地进行了受控聚合。本博士的主要目标是通过结合连续流反应器技术、计算机控制和模块化在线分析，配置一个能够快速筛选乳液聚合配方的连续流反应器平台。这将需要设计一个定制的反应堆平台，包括连接到开关阀和搅拌反应堆的泵。在线监测仪器也将能够持续观察反应组成，并提供实时自我优化的机会。结果将是一个创新和颠覆性技术的例子，它为以更可持续和更具成本效益的方式加速发现和开发新的聚合物材料提供了机会。

Cascades of mini continuous stirred tank reactors have been widely utilised as an alternative to tubular systems for conducting multi-phase chemical reactions in flow. At U. Leeds, we have developed and commercialised a reactor (the fReactor) which has been used to conduct single and multi-phase continuous processes including reactions, emulsifications and crystallisation. We have also used fReactors to successfully conduct controlled polymerisations in solution and dispersion systems.The main objective of this PhD is to configure a continuous-flow reactor platform capable of rapidly screening emulsion polymerisation formulations by combining continuous-flow reactor technologies, computer control and modular online analysis. It will require design of a bespoke reactor platform consisting of pumps connected to switching valves and agitated reactors. Online monitoring instrumentation will also enable constant observation of the reaction composition and provide opportunities for real time self-optimisation. The outcome will be an example of an innovative and disruptive technology which provide opportunities for accelerating the discovery and development of new polymer materials in a more sustainable and more cost effective manner.