Abstract: A method for producing macro porous micro-clusters is proposed comprising at least the following individual steps in given order: a) synthesis of dispersed cross-linked polymeric latex primary particles starting from at least one monomer or oligomer using emulsion polymerization; b) swelling of the primary particles with a liquid comprising at least an additional charge of monomer and/or oligomer and a cross-linker, optionally further comprising functionalization agents; c) destabilization by increase of ionic strength (by adding a salt and/or acid and/or base) in a combination with application of shear, both being above the gel formation boundary of the phase diagram, until agglomerates composed of primary particles of the desired size are formed; d) polymerization of the agglomerates to form the macro porous micro-clusters. Furthermore the invention to relates to correspondingly produced micro-clusters and uses of such micro-clusters in particular for chromatographic purposes.

Abstract: A method for producing macro porous micro-clusters is proposed comprising at least the following individual steps in given order: a) synthesis of dispersed cross-linked polymeric latex primary particles starting from at least one monomer or oligomer using emulsion polymerization; b) swelling of the primary particles with a liquid comprising at least an additional charge of monomer and/or oligomer and a cross-linker, optionally further comprising functionalization agents; c) destabilization by increase of ionic strength (by adding a salt and/or acid and/or base) in a combination with application of shear, both being above the gel formation boundary of the phase diagram, until agglomerates composed of primary particles of the desired size are formed; d) polymerization of the agglomerates to form the macro porous micro-clusters. Furthermore the invention to relates to correspondingly produced micro-clusters and uses of such micro-clusters in particular for chromatographic purposes.

Abstract: A rotating stirring device for generating substantially narrow distribution of energy dissipation rate and avoiding presence of Taylor vortices is disclosed. The device includes an outer member (1) such as a cylinder with cross-section of circular shape and an inner member (2) with cross-section of equilateral or inequilateral polygon shape with curved cusps. The inner member is preferably concentrically placed within the outer cylinder and rotates. Such device is particularly advantageous as a reactor or mixer for processes where chemical and physical properties are sensitive to the variations in the shear rate and for processes that involve fragile components. The device can be also used to replace Taylor Couette device for the purposes of improving mass transfer and of avoiding separate of components in the gap in the case of presence of differences in density among components.