SPONSORED BY Monitoring Emulsion Polymerization by Raman Spectroscopy An Executive Summary

Introduction Analytical scientists work closely with research scientists to qualify and support process development. This manuscript demonstrates the importance of coordinating process development R&D with analytical method development from batch through large-scale manufacturing. The initial goal was to demonstrate the capability of Raman spectroscopy for tracking unreacted monomers and comonomers during an olefin-based polymerization reaction in a batch reactor. Raman spectroscopy (785-nm Raman system from Kaiser Optical Systems Inc.) was selected from among several possible analytical tools because of its capabilities with emulsions. The group’s analytical method development process, with initial failures and subsequent successes, demonstrates why analytical development must synchronize with process development to create value for manufacturers.