摘要:
A method for lowering the residual monomer content of non-vitrified processing aids for thermoplastic polymers involves subjecting an emulsion polymerizate containing methylmethacrylate and, optionally, up to 50% by weight of a comonomer to a post-catalysis step to reduce the residual monomer content followed by a spray-drying step where the residual monomer content is further reduced. The spray-drying step is performed at an exit temperature which is either above the boiling point of methylmethacrylate or if an optional comonomer is present which has a higher boiling point than methacrylate, at a temperature above the boiling point of the comonomer. The resulting product which is suitable for use as a non-vitrified processing aid has a residual monomer content of 100 ppm or less. The processing aid can be used with thermoplastics to form containers, e.g., beverage bottles of PVC, which would not adversely affect odor or taste of the contained food product.