%0 Journal Article %A Benyahia, Brahim %A Latifi, M. Abderrazak %A Fonteix, Christian %A Pla, Fernand %D 2015 %T Optimized production of multilayered monodisperse polymer nanoparticles %U https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Optimized_production_of_multilayered_monodisperse_polymer_nanoparticles/9240899 %K Multilayered nanoparticles %K Dynamic optimization %K Fed-batch emulsion copolymerization %K Chemical Engineering not elsewhere classified %X A dynamic optimization frame work is used to produce in a controlled way multilayered latex nanoparticles. The key feature of the method is to track a glass transition temperature profile, which is designed to produce polymer layers with the targeted properties. Several constraints are considered to achieve better control and produce nanoparticles with a specified particle diameter and layers’ thicknesses. To enhance the control of the different layers, two separate monomer feeds are considered under starving conditions throughout the fed-batch stages. The emulsion copolymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate in the presence of n-C12 mercaptan, as chain transfer agent (CTA), is illustrated here as a case study. The optimal feed profiles of the preemulsioned monomers are obtained using a genetic algorithm. %I Loughborough University