Abstract: Thickener for paper coating was prepared by emulsion polymerization. The optimal reaction conditions were determined as follows:mixture of anionic emulsifier and non-anionic emulsifier is preferred at anionic emulsifier:non-anionic emulsifier 1.5:1, dosage of emulsifier 1.5%, ethyl acrylate 70.6%, acrylic acid 29.4%, crosslinking agent 0.4%-0.6%, initiator 0.15%-0.24%, N-hydroxyl-methyl acrylamide 1%-1.4%, solid content of emulsion 28%-30%, pH value 4.

Key words: thickener, emulsifier, crosslinking agent, initiator, acrylate monomer