Reactor platforms for rapid screening of emulsion polymerisation formulations

小型连续搅拌釜式反应器的级联已经被广泛用作管状系统的替代物，用于在流动中进行多相化学反应。在联合在利兹，我们开发了一种反应器（fReactor）并将其商业化，该反应器已用于进行单相和多相连续工艺，包括反应、结晶和结晶。我们还使用fReactors成功地在溶液和分散体系中进行可控聚合。本博士的主要目标是配置一个连续流反应器平台，该平台能够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来快速筛选乳液聚合配方。它需要设计一个定制的反应器平台，该平台由连接到开关阀和搅拌反应器的泵组成。在线监测仪器还将能够持续观察反应成分，并为真实的时间自我优化提供机会。其成果将成为创新和颠覆性技术的一个例子，为以更可持续和更具成本效益的方式加速发现和开发新聚合物材料提供机会。

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.