Stirred tube reactor and method of using the same

A method comprising:

• introducing a reaction mixture comprising a polymerizable monomer and an initiator into the feed port of a stirred tube reactor, the stirred tube reactor comprising a reaction chamber, a feed port in fluid communication with the chamber, an extraction port in fluid communication with the chamber, a first shaft having first and second ends wherein the first end of the shaft extends into the chamber and the first shaft has at least one mixing member extending therefrom, a second shaft having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the second shaft extends into the chamber and the second shaft is substantially collinear with the first shaft and wherein the second shaft has at least one mixing member extending therefrom, a first driving mechanism that rotationally engages the first shaft, and a second driving mechanism that rotationally engages the second shaft;
• polymerizing the monomer to produce a product mixture;
• radially mixing the reaction mixture and product mixture as the reaction mixture and product mixture axially travel in an essentially plug flow manner through the reaction chamber to give a polymerized material.