AbstractAn approach for the calculation of the optimal monomer addition policies for polymer composition control in emulsion terpolymerization is presented. The model allows the calculation of the composition of the initial charge of the reactor and the time dependent monomer addition rates. Monomer addition strategies for reactors with limited capacity for heat removal were obtained. A heat removal rate dependent on the latex solids content was considered. Simulation showed that the present approach leads to the production of homogeneous terpolymers in process times which are significantly shorter than that required by the classical starved process to produce a terpolymer of similar homogeneity.