Mechanisms and conditions that affect phase inversion processes. The case of high-impact polystyrene

"The phase inversion during the bulk polymerization of the styrene-polybutadiene system (HIPS manufacturing process) is empirically and theoretically studied in this article. In the experimental work, a series of reactions were performed with benzoyl peroxide as initiator and at temperatures considered of industrial interest (80ºC and 90ºC), varying also the reactor stirring level. Phase inversion was determined by offline viscosity measurements and verified by scanning electron micrography in transmission mode (STEM). The rheological behavior of each reacting system was analyzed and an empirical correlation to predict its apparent viscosity from fundamental reaction parameters was derived. This was achieved successfully for bothbefore and after the phase inversion point."