Abstract: Apparatus for producing polymers in powdered form is disclosed, including means for forming a finely divided solvent-free spray of a liquid monomer of the polymer which is to be produced, or of a reactive unsaturated polymer. The spray passes through a high energy electron beam in an inert atmosphere in order to polymerize the monomer or reactive unsaturated polymer of the spray while in the spray form and produce a powdered polymer product. The preferred apparatus develops a charge on the particles of the finely divided spray and passes the charged spray through a similarly charged yoke to ensure particle separation and to compress the pattern of the spray prior to passage through the electron beam, which is preferably in the form of a curtain.

Abstract: A method for producing polymers in powdered form is disclosed, including the formation of a finely divided solvent-free spray of a liquid monomer of the polymer which is to be produced, or of a reactive unsaturated polymer, and the passage of that spray through a high energy electron beam in an inert atmosphere in order to polymerize the monomer or reactive unsaturated polymer of the spray while in the spray form and produce a powdered polymer product. The preferred method develops a charge in the particles of the finely divided spray and passes the charged spray through a charged yoke to ensure particle separation and compress the pattern of the spray prior to passage through the electron beam, which is preferably in the form of a curtain.