Radical Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers by Hydrophilic Macromolecules. I. Uncatalyzed Polymerization in the Absence of Copper(ll) Ions

Abstract

In 1962 Kimura, Takitani, and Imoto [1] found that an aqueous solution of starch could easily polymerize methyl methacrylate (MMA), and about one-half of the polymerized MMA was grafted on to starch. This novel polymerization was called “uncatalyzed polymerization.” Since then, a large number of macromolecules other than starch have been studied, and many of them are effective for initiating the radical polymerization of MMA.     

Vinyl Polymerization Initiated by Peroxydiphosphate. IV. Polymerization of Acrylonitrile Initiated by Peroxydiphosphate-Thioacetamide Redox System

Abstract

The kinetics of the aqueous polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by the peroxydiphosphate-thioacetamide redox system was investigated at 35, 40, and 50°C. The rates of polymerization were measured at different concentrations of oxidant, activator, and monomer. Peroxydiphosphate alone did not initiate polymerization under deaerated and undeaerated conditions. Addition of certain water-miscible organic solvents and neutral salts depress the rate and conversion. On the basis of experimental observations of the dependence of the rate of polymerization on various variables, a suitable kinetic scheme has been proposed.     

Vinyl Polymerization. 436. Effect of Magnetic Field on Uncatalyzed Polymerization

The radical polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated with several kinds of hydrophilic macromolecule was carried out in a magnetic field. The magnetic field promoted the polymerization; the conversion of monomers and the molecular weight of the polymers obtained increased with increasing field strength in the range of 0–0.1 T. The dependence of the composition and tacticity of the mother polymer on the magnitude of the magnetic field was studied. Using graft or block copolymers, which consisted of hard and soft segments, the effect of a magnetic field was further investigated. The degree of hardness and tightness of the hydrophobic areas (reaction areas) formed by the mother polymer in the aqueous solution was found to affect the magnetic field effect on the uncatalyzed polymerization. The overall activation energy obtained in the magnetic field was almost equal to that obtained without a magnetic field.     

Vinyl polymerization. 403. Polymerization of vinyl monomer initiated with sodium poly-p-vinylphenolate

The polymerization of vinyl monomer initiated by poly-p-vinylphenol (PVPh) in NaOH aqueous solution was carried out at 85°C with shaking. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was polymerized, whereas styrene and acrylonitrile were not. PVPh, which is dissociated into phenolate form (PVPh^?Na⁺) in NaOH aqueous solution, was effective for the polymerization. The effects of the amounts of MMA, PVPh, NaOH, and H₂O on the conversion of MMA were studied. The rate of polymerization of MMA increased with an increase in the molecular weight of PVPh-Na. The overall activation energy was estimated as 54 kJ mol^?1. The polymerization proceeded through a radical mechanism. The addition of tetra-n-butylammonium bromide increased the rate of polymerization.     

Vinyl Polymerization by Metal Complexes. VII

Abstract

The photopolymerization of vinyl monomers by metal salt-saccharide system was investigated in various solvents. The rate of polymerization in the presence of a iron(III) salt in aqueous media was remarkably accelerated by the addition of saccharides. The acceleration caused by a series of saccharides was found to be in the following order: glucose > fructose > lactose maltose. α-Methyl-d-glucoside and sucrose exhibited very little effect. The overall activation energy for the photopolymerization of acrylonitrile in the presence of glucose was found to be 2.7 kcal/mole, about half of the value obtained in the absence of glucose.     

Vinyl Polymerization. 439. Vinyl Polymerization Initiated by Poly(Ethylene Glycol] Diglycolic Acid or its Sodium Salt

Abstract

The polymerization of some kinds of vinyl monomer was found to occur in aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene glycol) diglycolic acid (PEG Acid) or sodium poly(ethylene glycol) diglycolate (PEG Acid Na) through radical mechanisms without any further initiator, as a so-called “uncatalyzed polymerization.” Although the initiating radical species for PEG Acid was determined to be the same as that for PEG Acid Na by means of the spin-trapping technique, the initiating ability of PEG Acid was higher than that of PEG Acid Na. These results are assumed to be attributable to the difference in the initiation mechanisms of the two systems and in the incorporating abilities of monomer into the hydrophobic areas formed by PEG Acid and PEG Acid Na.     

Vinyl Polymerization. 374. Radical Polymerization of Vinyl Monomer Initiated with Sodium Polystyrenesulfonate

The polymerization of vinyl monomer initiated by an aqueous solution of sodium polystyrenesulfonate (PSS-Na) was carried out at 85°C. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene were polymerized, while acrylonitrile was not. The rate of polymerization of MMA decreased with the increase of the degree of polymerization of PSS-Na. However, the polymerization was not initiated by sodium ethyl benzenesulfonate which was a unit molecule of PSS-Na. The polymerization proved to be a radical reaction. The polymerization was considered to commence with the formation of hydrophobic areas with PSS-Na in the aqueous phase. MMA is incorporated into these areas, and there the polymerization is initiated and proceeds. The hydrophobic areas were assumed to be similar to the micelles formed by anionic detergents such as sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate. An initiation mechanism is proposed.     

Vinyl Polymerization. 431. Vinyl Polymerizations Initiated by Block and Random Poly(Styrene-co-Sodium Methacrylate)

Abstract

The polymerization of some kinds of vinyl monomer was found to occur without an ordinary initiator in aqueous solutions of AB-type block or random copolymers of sodium methacrylate with styrene as a so-called “uncatalyzed polymerization.” Although the spin trapping technique showed that the initiation mechanism by the block copolymer was the same as that by the random copolymer, the initiating ability of the block copolymer was lower than that of the random copolymer. Such results are attributable to the difference in the incorporating ability of monomer into the micelles formed by the block copolymer and into the hydrophobic areas formed by the random copolymer.     

Vinyl polymerization by metal complexes. III. Vinyl polymerization initiated by oligoamide and cupric ion system

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate and other vinyl monomers was studied in the presence of oligoamide (?-aminocaproic acid, its dimer, trimer, tetramer, and pentamer) and cupric ion in aqueous media. The polymerization was found to be of free-radical character and selective for the type of vinyl monomer. Carbon tetrachloride can accelerate the polymerization. The initiation mechanism of the polymerization is discussed. Spectroscopic measurements were indicative of formation of 1:1 complex between oligoamides and cupric ion in aqueous NaClO₄ solution. Some chemical and physical properties of the resulting polymers were measured.     

Vinyl Polymerization. 282. Vinyl Polymerization Initiated by Dimethylhydroxylamine-Titanous(lll) Chloride Redox System

Abstract

The polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (DHA)-titanous(III) chloride redox system has been studied in water under a nitrogen atmosphere. In the polymerization of methyl methyacrylate (MMA) initiated by the above system, the rate of polymerization has been found to be proportional to [DHA]^0.5 for DHA concentrations of less than 2.06 × 10^?3 mole/liter, whereas at higher concentrations the rate tends to fall rapidly. The rate has also been found to be proportional to [Ti(m)] ^0.58 and to [MMA] ^1.0. The maximum rate of polymerization has been observed at a 1:1 molar ratio of DHA to Ti(III). The polymerization proceeded via a radical mechanism. The overall activation energy was estimated as 5.5 kcal/mole. It has been suggested that the reduction of dimethylhydroxylamine by titanous(III) chloride yields the dimethylamino radical, which initiates vinyl polymerization. An examination of the initiating capacity of the initiator system for the polymerization of some vinyl monomers has also been made.     

Vinyl polymerization. 416. Polymerization of vinyl monomer initiated by polyethyleneglycol

The polymerization of vinyl monomer initiated by polyethyleneglycol (PEG) in aqueous solution was carried out at 85°C with shaking. Acrylonitrile (AN), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methacrylic acid were polymerized by PEG–300 (M?_n = 300), whereas styrene was not. The effects of the amounts of monomer and PEG, the molecular weight of PEG, and the hydrophobic group at the end of PEG molecule on the polymerization were studied. The selectivity of vinyl monomer and the effect of the hydrophobic group are discussed according to “the concept of hard and soft hydrophobic areas and monomers.” The kinetics of the polymerization was investigated. The overall activation energy in the polymerization of AN was estimated as 37.9 kJ mol^?1. The polymerization was effected by a radical mechanism.     

Acidic Peroxo Salts: A New Class of Initiators for Vinyl Polymerization. IV. Kinetics of Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by Potassium Monopersulfate Catalyzed by Ag(l)

Abstract

Kinetics of vinyl polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by an acidic peroxo salt, such as potassium monopersulfate coupled with silver nitrate, have been investigated in aqueous medium over the temperature range from 35 to 50°C. The rates of polymerization (R_p) have been computed for various concentrations of the monomer and initiator. The effectiveness of various metal salts in catalyzing the polymerization reaction has been determined from the observed R_p values. The effects of the catalyst (AgNO₃), initiator, monomer, and various secondary aliphatic and aromatic amines on R_p and percentage conversion have been studied. The endgroups of the resultant polymers have been studied using standard methods. From the observed endgroups and kinetic results, a reaction scheme has been proposed involving initiation by ′OH or SO₄ ^? radicals, generated by the interaction of the initiator with silver nitrate and termination by mutual combination.     

Sulfur-Containing Vinyl Monomers. XIX. Radical Polymerization of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazolyl Methacrylate

2-Mercaptobenzothiazolyl methacrylate (MBTM) was synthesized by the reaction of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and methacrylyl chloride in tetrahydrofuran at -18°C. MBTM was found to polymerize in the presence of 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), n-BuLi, and UV light. From the kinetic studies of radical polymerization of MBTM with AIBN in benzene at 60°C, the overall activation energy was determined to be 18.9 kcal/mole, and the rate of polymerization (R) was expressed as R_p = k[AIBN]^0.5 [MBTM], where k is the overall polymerization rate constant. From these results this polymerization was confirmed to proceed via an ordinary radical mechanism. This monomer (M₂) was also copolymerized radically with styrene (M₁) at 60°C, and the resulting copolymerization parameters were determined as r₁ = 0.042, r₂ = 0.20, Q₂ = 4.09, and e₂ = 1.39. The thermal stability and the photodegradation behavior of the polymers were examined, and they were compared with those of the related polymers.     

Vinyl Polymerization. 287. Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by the Polyacrylonitrile-Water-Cupric Ion System

Abstract

Methyl methacrylate was found to be polymerized by the system polyacrylonitrile-water-cupric ion without any added initiator. Addition of carbon tetrachloride to this system greatly increased the polymerization rate. Acrylonitrile and styrene did not polymerize in this system. The kinetic behavior of polymerization was the same as the system consisting'of cellulose or nylon instead of polyacrylonitrile. When the flaky polyacrylo-nitrile was swelled or dissolved by the solvent DMF, the conversion and the degree of polymerization of the poly-methyl methacrylate formed decreased markedly. Commercial acrylic fiber also initiated polymerization but the activity was lower than with flaky polyacrylonitrile, even after steam treatment, because of the poor permeability of monomer into the fiber.     

Gamma-Ray Induced Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers in Bagasse

Vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, methyl methacrylate and styrene etc., can be polymerized without catalyst into the composites of bagasse material by gamma-radiation induced in situ liquid polymerization process. The fundamental factors, such as polymerization-rate, effect of swelling agent, molecular weight of vinyl polymers and graft reaction between bagasse cellulose and vinyl polymers, have been investigated and discussed. The use of suitable low G-value polar swelling agents and the application of suitable gamma dose-rate are two key factors found to control the smooth in situ liquid polymerization system of vinyl monomers in bagasse.     

Grafting of Polymers onto Activated Carbon Surface: Graft Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers Initiated by Azo Groups That Were Introduced onto the Surface

Abstract

We examined the grafting of polymers onto an activated carbon powder surface by polymerization that was initiated by azo groups that were introduced onto the surface as well as the effects of grafted polymers on the adsorption of acetic acid. The introduction of azo groups onto the surface was achieved by the following methods: (1) a reaction of 4,4′-azobis(4-cyano-pentanoic acid) (ACPA) with surface isocyanate groups that were introduced beforehand by treatment with tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate (AC-Azo 1) and (2) the direct condensation of ACPA with surface phenolic hydroxyl groups by using N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (AC-Azo 2). The radical polymerizations of styrene, methyl methacrylate, N,N-diethylacrylamide (DEAM), and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), were successfully initiated by the azo groups on the surface and the corresponding polymers were grafted onto the surface. There was a significant decrease in the adsorption of the acetic acid of the activated carbons when polymers were grafted onto them, particularly in regards to the grafting of hydrophobic polymers. On the other hand, a decrease in the adsorbability of the polyDEAM-grafted and polyNIPAM-grafted activated carbon was barely observed. In addition, polyDEAM-grafted and polyNIPAM-grafted activated carbons showed temperature-dependent adsorption of acetic acid: the adsorbability of these activated carbon decreased above lower critical solution temperature of these polymers, which is about 32°C.     

Electroinitiated Anionic Polymerization of Vinyl Monomers

Abstract

Polarographic reduction and electrolytically initiated anionic polymerization of various monomers have been investigated with tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate in dimethoxyethane.     

Vinyl polymerization. 413. Polymerization of vinyl monomer initiated by poly(vinylbenzyltrimethyl)-ammonium chloride

The polymerization of vinyl monomer initiated by an aqueous solution of poly(vinylbenzyltrimethyl)ammonium chloride (Q-PVBACI) was carried out at 85°C. Styrene, p-chlorostyrene, methyl methacrylate, and i-butyl methacrylate were polymerized, whereas acrylonitrile and vinyl acetate were not. The effects of the amounts of vinyl monomer, Q-PVBACI, and water on the conversion of vinyl monomer were studied. The overall activation energy in the polymerization of styrene was estimated as 79.1 kJ mol^?1. The polymerization proceeded through a radical mechanism. The selectivity of vinyl monomer was discussed by “a concept of hard and soft hydrophobic areas and monomers.”     

Transparent,Electrically Conductive Composites Derived from Polypyrrole and Poly[Vinyl Chloride) by Vapor-Phase Polymerization: Effect of Environment on Polymerization and Reaction Mechanism

Abstract

Transparent, electrically conductive composite films were obtained by vapor-phase polymerization of pyrrole into a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix containing FeCl₃. The effects of water and of organic solvents on the polymerization were investigated. It was found that the conductance of the films increases in the presence of both water vapor and of good solvents or swelling agents for PVC. The conductivity of the films rises with reaction time and so does the rate of increase with higher FeCl₃ concentration. The production of HCl was monitored by two methods, the precipitation of AgCl in an aqueous solution of silver nitrate and the increase in conductance of an aliquot of distilled water which had been placed into the reaction chamber. On the basis of our experimental results, we propose a reaction mechanism that explains the observed increase of conductance with time. A universal kinetic formula has been derived which relates the increase of electrical conductance to other parameters characterizing the boundary conditions of the polymerization.