[catherine]

How to characterize emulsion resin?  Is there a way to know the monomer composition? how about the crosslinker used in the batch?   
Please help, I want to characterize a sample resin and formulate a new one out of the monomer composition and crosslinker used by this sample. thanks

[P]

IR would pick out the double bonds in the monomer.  I think NMR would maybe more quantitive I think but IR might be good enough.   GPC/HPLC would give you a large peak for the polymer plus a small one for residual monomer.  I always thought NMR the most powerful for structural determination.  I think you may have a choise of methods depending on what the polymer system is.  How about Mas Spec even?

How to characterize emulsion resin?  ... I want to characterize a sample resin and formulate a new one out of the monomer composition and crosslinker used by this sample. thanks

How about concentrating on the polymer first by working out what it is by NMR or IR.  You could use GPC/SEC to determine approximate molecular weights and then come up with a plan to make it from the appropriate monomer. If you know what the target polymer is then you should be able to work out how to synthesise it.

[gericox]

Strategy to analyse an emulsion resin :
1-perform en IR spectra on dried matter : is there any  carbonyl band of acrylate, acrylic, nitrile, polyethoxylate, aromatic....
2- Perform an 1H NMR spectra
3- Perform a GC-headspace analysis : you will see residual monomers, possible residual solvent of synthesis...
4- Perform a GC on pyrolysed dried matter (#500-550°C) to identify and quantify monomers
5- If it's possible, do these analysis with GC-MS
6- Try to extract the organic surfactant by extraction on dried matter with methanol or other appropriate solvent
7- perform ashes and perform appropriate identification tests (for S, Na..)
8- GPC will be used to determine molecular weight, polydispersity....

I hope these some indications will be helpful. If you have  any data available (NMR spectra, FTIR spectra...) I m there for any help

Eric