Aqueous polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by the bromate–thiourea redox system

The aqueous polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by an acidified bromate–thiourea redox system has been studied under nitrogen atmosphere. The rate of polymerization is independent of thiourea concentration over the range 2–9 × 10^?3M and reaches maximum at 9 × 10^?3M. The rate varies linearly with [monomer]. The initial rate of polymerization as well as the maximum conversion increases within the range of 4–22.5 × 10^?3M KBrO₃, but beyond 22.5 × 10^?3M the rate of polymerization decreases. The initial rate and the limiting conversion increases with increasing polymerization temperature in the range 30–45°C; and beyond 45°C they decrease. The effect of certain neutral salts, water-soluble solvents, and micelles of cationic, anionic, and nonionic surfactants on the rate of polymerization has been investigated.     

Aqueous Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by the Bromate-Thiourea Redox System

The aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the bromate-thiourea redox system in dilute HC1 has been investigated under nitrogen atmosphere. The rate of polymerization increases with increasing concentration of thiourea in the range 5 × 10^?3?10 × 10^?3 M. The percentage of conversion increases with increasing concentration of the catalyst, but beyond 1.5 × 10^?2 M, there is a decreasing trend in the rate of polymerization. The rate of polymerization increases with increasing monomer concentration, but beyond 0.184 M the polymerization rate decreases due to gel effect. The rate of polymerization increases with temperature up to 35°C and beyond 40°C a decreasing trend is noticed. The effect of water miscible organic solvents, certain neutral salts on the rate of polymerization has also been investigated.     

Aqueous Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by the Potassium Bromate-Thiomalic Acid Redox System

The redox system composed of potassium bromate and thiomalic acid was used to initiate the aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate under nitrogen atmosphere at 35 ± 0.2°C. The initial rates of polymerization have been found to be approximately proportional to the first power of the initiator concentration in the range of 2.5 to 6.0 ± 10^?3 M and to the first power (1.15) of monomer concentration in the range of 3.72 to 11.16 ± 10^?2 M The overall rate was independent of activator concentration, approaching a maximum at 10 × 10^?3 M. The overall energy of activation was found to be 8.80 kcal/mol. The initial rate and the maximum conversion attained a maximum value at 35°C in the temperature range of 20 to 45°C.     

Studies on the kinetics of ceric–thiourea-initiated aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate. I. Mechanistic features in moderately acid solution

The kinetics of the aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate by a ceric-thiourea initiator system in moderately acid solution (pH 2.15) was studied. The rate of polymerization was proportional to 0.41 power of ceric concentration, 0.32 power of thiourea concentration, and 1.18 power of monomer concentration. The degree of polymerization was smaller than expected from the rate of polymerization. Initiation efficiency was less than one. There was no evidence of any ceric ion termination in the concentration range of 2.50 × 10^?4–2.00 × 10^?3M studied. The results are explained in terms of partial primary radical termination; the principal mode of termination, however, was bimolecular.     

Cerium (IV)-2-chloroethanol redox-pair initiated polymerization of acrylamide in aqueous medium

The kinetics of acrylamide polymerization has been investigated by employing cericammoniumnitrate-2-chloroethanol redox pair under nitrogen atmosphere at 30 ± 1°C. The rate of monomer disappearance is directly proportional to the concentration of 2-chloroethanol (1.0 × 10^?2 ? 10.0 × 10^?2 mol. dm^?3) and is inversely proportional to the ceric ion concentration (2.5 × 10^?3 ? 10.0 × 10^?3 mol. dm^?3) but shows square dependence to the concentration of monomer (5.0 × 10^?2 ? 25.0 × 10^?2 mol. dm^?3). The rate of ceric ion disappearance is directly proportional to the initial concentration of ceric ion and 2-chloroethanol but independent of acrylamide concentration. The viscometric average molecular weight (M _v) decreases on increasing the concentration of ceric ion and increases on increasing the concentrations of acrylamide and 2-chloroethanol. A tentative mechanism has been proposed.     

Aqueous polymerization of acrylamide initiated by acidic potassium permanganate–ascorbic acid redox system

The polymerization of acrylamide initiated by the acidic permanganate–ascorbic acid redox pair has been studied in aqueous media at 30 ± 0.2°C in nitrogen atmosphere. The initial rate of polymerization has been found to be proportional to nearly the first power of the catalyst KMnO₄ concentration within the range 6.0 × 10^?3–14.0 × 10^?3 mole/l. The rate is proportional to the first power of the monomer concentration within the range 4.00 × 10^?2–12.0 × 10^?2 mole/l. However, the rate of polymerization is independent of ascorbic acid concentration within the range 3.0 × 10^?3–6.0 × 10^?3 mole/l., but the further increase of the concentration depresses the rate of polymerization as well as maximum conversion. The initial rate increases but the maximum conversion decreases as the temperature is increased within the range 20–35°C. The overall energy of activation has been found to be 9.8 kcal/mole. The optimum amount of sulfuric acid is essential to initiate the polymerization but its presence in excess produces no effect either on the rate of reaction or the maximum conversion. Water-miscible organic solvents and salts, e.g., CH₃OH, C₂H₅OH, (CH₃)₂CHOH, KCl, and Na₂SO₄, depress the rate. Slight amounts of MnSO₄ · H₂O and a complexing agent NaF increase the rate of polymerization. Cationic and anionic detergents have been found to decrease and increase the rate, respectively, while nonionic surfactants have no effect on the rate of polymerization.     

Aqueous Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by Potassium Peroxydisulfate-Ascorbic Acid Redox System

The aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system K₂S₂O₈-ascorbic acid has been studied at 35°C under the influence of oxygen. The rate of polymerization increases with increasing ascorbic acid concentration at low activator concentration, remains constant within the range 4.375 × 10^?3 to 11.25 × 10^?3 mole/liter, and at higher ascorbic acid concentration again decreases. The rate varies linearly with monomer concentration. The initial rate and the limiting conversion increase with increasing polymerization temperature. Organic solvents (water-miscible only) and small amounts of neutral salts like KC1 and Na₂SO₄ depress the initial rate and the maximum conversion. The addition of small amounts of salts like Cu²⁺ and Mn²⁺ increases the initial rate, but no appreciable increase in the limiting conversion is observed.     

Studies of redox polymerization. I. Aqueous polymerization of acrylamide by an ascorbic acid–peroxydisulfate system

The polymerization of acrylamide initiated by an ascorbic acid–peroxydisulfate redox system was studied in aqueous solution at 35 ± 0.2°C in the presence of air. The concentrations studied were [monomer] = (2.0–15.0) × 10^?2 mole/liter; [peroxydisulfate] = (1.5–10.0) × 10^?3 mole/liter; and [ascorbic acid] = (2.84–28.4) × 10^?4 mole/liter; temperatures were between 25–50°C. Within these ranges the initial rate showed a half-order dependence on peroxydisulfate, a first-order dependence on an initial monomer concentration, and a first-order dependence on a low concentration of ascorbic acid [(2.84–8.54) × 10^?4 mole/liter]. At higher concentrations of ascorbic acid the rate remained constant in the concentration range (8.54–22.72) × 10^?4 mole/liter, then varied as an inverse halfpower at still higher concentrations of ascorbic acid [(22.72–28.4) × 10^?4 mole/liter]. The initial rate increased with an increase in polymerization temperature. The overall energy of activation was 12.203 kcal/mole in a temperature range of 25–50°C. Water-miscible organic solvents depressed the initial rate and the limiting conversion. The viscometric average molecular weight increased with an increase in temperature and initial monomer concentration but decreased with increasing concentration of peroxydisulfate and an additive, dimethyl formamide (DMF).     

Polymerization of acrylamide initiated by the persulfate–thiosulfate redox couple

Conversion–time data were obtained for the polymerization of acrylamide initiated by the redox couple persulfate–thiosulfate by using a dilatometer. A plot of initial rate as a function of thiosulfate concentration shows a well-defined maximum and three distinct regions of behavior. In each region the shape of the conversion–time curves demonstrates the differences in apparent order with respect to monomer arising from changes in initiator concentration during an individual run. A reaction mechanism is proposed to explain the results, and a limiting form of the rate expression is derived for each of the three regions. The ranges of concentration studied are: persulfate, 9.5 × 10^?4?4.7 × 10^?2M; thiosulfate, 2 × 10^?5?2 × 10^?2M; initial monomer, 0.05–1.0M; and temperature, 30–50°C. Within these ranges the initial rate shows a halforder dependence on persulfate and a first-order dependence on initial monomer concentration.     

Aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system Ce(IV)–isopropyl alcohol. Kinetics and molecular weight

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate was carried out in aqueous nitric acid in the temperature range 26–40°C, with the redox initiator system ceric ammonium nitrate–isopropyl alcohol. A short induction period was observed, as well as the attainment of a limiting conversion, and the total ceric ion consumption with reaction time. The reaction orders were 1/2 and 3/2 with respect to the IPA and monomer concentration, respectively, within the range (3–5) × 10^?3M of Ce(IV). But at lower Ce(IV) concentration (≤ 1 × 10^?3M), the order with respect to monomer and Ce(IV) changed to 1 and 1/2, respectively. The rate of ceric ion disappearance was first order with respect to Ce(IV) concentration and (R_Ce)^?1 was proportional to [IPA]^?1. Both the rate of polymerization and the rate of ceric ion consumption increase with rise in temperature. The average-molecular weight can be controlled by variations in IPA, Ce(IV), and monomer concentrations, and in temperature. A kinetic scheme involving oxidation of IPA by Ce(IV) via complex formation, whose decomposition gives rise to a primary radical, initiation, propagation, and termination of the polymeric radicals by bimolecular interaction is proposed. An oxidative termination of primary radicals by Ce(IV) is also included.     

Aqueous polymerization of acrylamide

The polymerization of acrylamide (I) initiated by a potassium bromate—thioglycollic acid (TGA) redox pair has been studied in aqueous media at 30°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction order related to the catalyst concentration (KBrO₃) was 0.501, which indicated a bimolecular mechanism for the termination reaction in the range of 1.0?3.0 × 10^?3 mole/liter. The polymerization rate varied linearly with monomer (I) concentration over the range of 1.0?5.0 × 10^?2 mole/liter. A typical behavior is observed, however, by changing the thioglycollic acid concentration. The initial rate of polymerization (Ri), as well as the maximum conversion, increases by increasing the temperature to 30°C, but the initial rate and the maximum conversion falls as the temperature rises above 30°C. The overall energy of activation is 6.218 kcal in the temperature range of 20–40°C. Water-miscible organic solvents, namely, CH₃OH and C₂H₅OH, depress the rate of polymerization.     

Polymerization initiated by ylide: Polymerization of ethyl methacrylate with the use of 4-picolinium p-chloro phenacylide as initiator

The ylide 4-picolinium, p-chloro phenacylide-initiated thermal polymerization of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) was studied. 4-Picolinium p-chloro phenacylide induces the thermal polymerization of ethyl methacrylate at 65°C. The rate of polymerization (R_p) rose as the initiator concentration increased from 2 × 10^?3 to 4 × 10^?3 M and the initiating exponent was computed as 1.9. The R_p decreased as the concentration of ylide increased from 6 × 10^?2 to 1M. The greater initiator concentration also affected the molecular weight inversely. The polymerization was carried out at different temperatures and the overall activation energy was computed as 4.08 Kcal/mol. Polymerization was inhibited in the presence of hydroquinone as a radical scavenger. Kinetic studies and other data show that the overall polymerization takes place in a radical mechanism. The various kinetic parameters, such as the rate and average degree of polymerization, molecular weight, and energy of activation of the present system, were evaluated.     

Aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by peroxydisulfate–citric acid redox system catalyzed by silver ion

The kinetics of the aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by potassium peroxydisulfate–citric acid catalyzed by silver ion was investigated in nitrogen atmosphere. The rate of polymerization is proportional to the square root of peroxydisulfate concentration. The initial rate increases with increasing citric acid concentration up to 15 × 10^?3M, after which it decreases. The rate of polymerization also increases initially with monomer concentration and decreases at higher monomer concentration. The effects of temperature and the addition of some solvents and salts on the rate of polymerization have also been studied and a suitable kinetic scheme has been proposed for the reaction.     

Precipitation polymerization of acrylamide using vazo-33 as an initiator and acetonitrile/water mixtures as the solvent

Precipitation polymerization of acrylamide initiated by a thermal initiator, Vazo-33 (DuPont Vazo Initiator), was achieved at a solvent composition of acetonitrile/water = 4/6 (vol/vol). The polymerization kinetics were investigated in the acrylamide [M] concentration range 0.86–2.27M, Vazo-33 [I] concentration range 1.4–11.0 × 10^?4M, and temperature range 30–40°C. Polymerization was carried out in reaction ampules and the rate was determined gravimetrically. Number-average molecular weight was obtained from intrinsic viscosity. The precipitation polymerization rate varied as [M]^2.16 and [I]^0.44. Number-average molecular weight was proportional to [M]^1.22 and inversely proportional to [I]^0.31. The overall reaction activation energy was calculated as 17.3 kcal/mol in the temperature range studied. The optimal reaction conditions studied were: acetonitrile/water = 4/6, temperature = 40°C, [M] = 1.95M and [I] = 2.8 × 10^?4M. One hundred percent conversion was achieved in 90 min and a polymer with a number-average molecular weight of 1,200,000 was obtained.     

Polymerization of acrylamide initiated by the Ce4+/thiourea redox system

The polymerization of acrylamide (M) initiated by the Ce⁴⁺/thiourea (TU) redox system has been studied in an aqueous sulfuric acid medium at 35 ± 0.2°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The rate of polymerization is governed by the expression The activation energy is 5.9 kcal deg^?1 mol^?1 in the investigated temperature range 30–50°C. The molecular weight is directly proportional to the concentration of monomer and inversely proportional to the catalyst concentration. With increasing concentration of DMF molecular weight decreases. The range of concentrations for which these observations hold at sulfuric acid concentration of 2.5 × 10^?2 mol/L are [monomer] = 5.0 × 10^?2–3.0 × 10^?1, [catalyst] = (5.0–15.0) × 10^?4, and [activator] = (1.0–6.0) × 10^?3 mol/L.     

Polymerization of acrylamide with persulfate–thiomalic acid initiator

The redox system of potassium persulfate–thiomalic acid (I₁–I₂) was used to initiate the polymerization of acrylamide (M) in aqueous medium. For 20–30% conversion the rate equation is where R_p is the rate of polymerization. Activation energy is 8.34 kcal deg^?1 mole^?1 in the investigated range of temperature 25–45°C. M_n is directly proportional to [M] and inversely to [I₁]. The range of concentrations for which these observations hold at 35°C and pH 4.2 are [I₁] = (1.0–3.0) × 10^?3, [I₂] = (3.0–7.5) × 10^?3, and [M] = 5.0 × 10^?2–3.0 × 10^?1 mole/liter.     

Polymerization of Acrylamide with Permanganate/Mercaptosuccinic Acid Initiator System

The aqueous polymerization of acrylamide initiated by the acidified potassium permanganate/mercaptosuccinic acid redox system was studied at 35 ± 0.2°C in nitrogen. In the studied range of activator concentration (2.0 × 10^?3 to 6.25 ± 10^?3 mole/liter) the polymerization rate remains unaffected. The initial rate of polymerization varies linearly with KMnO₄ and acrylamide concentrations in the studied range. The activation energy was found to be 6.61 kcal/mole (27.63 kJ/mole) in the temperature range of 30–50°C. The molecular weight of polyacrylamide was found to be independent of [KMnO₄] but increased with increasing monomer concentration. The effect of DMF on polymerization rate and molecular weight was also investigated.     

Vinyl polymerization of acrylamide initiated by Thallium(III) ions in solution

Kinetics of polymerization of acrylamide initiated by Thallium(III) perchlorate was investigated in aqueous perchloric acid medium in the temperature range of 55–70°C. The rates of polymerization were measured varying the concentration of the monomer, initiator, and perchloric acid. The rate of polymerization was found to increase with increase of temperature, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, and perchloric acid concentration. The effect of additives like different solvents, surfactants, and retarders on the rate of polymerization was studied. Molecular weights of the polymer were determined by viscometry. The chain transfer constants for the monomer (C_M) and that for the solvent dioxan (C_s) were calculated to be 7.33 × 10^?3 and 6.66 × 10^?3, respectively. From the Arrhenius plot, the overall activation energy (E_a) was calculated to be 10.68 kcal/mol. The energy of initiation was calculated to be 12.36 kcal/mol. Depending on the results obtained, a suitable reaction mechanism has been suggested and a rate equation has been derived.     

Persulfate-initiated polymerization of acrylamide

A dilatometric technique was used to obtain conversion–time data for the polymerization of acrylamide initiated by potassium persulfate in water. The results are summarized by the empirical rate expression, ?d[M₁]/dt = R_p = k_1.25[K₂S₂O₈]^0.5[M₁]^1.25, and k_1.25 = 1.70 × 10¹¹ exp {?16,900/RT} 1.^0.75/mole^?0.75-min. Persulfate was varied over the range 9.5 × 10^?4 to 5.2 × 10^×2 mole/l., and initial monomer concentration [M₁] was varied from 0.05 to 0.4 mole/l. The temperature range was 30?50°C. Results of analysis of the kinetics and energetics of the polymerization favor a cage-effect theory rather than a complex-formation theory to explain the order with respect to monomer.     

H2O2-photosensitized emulsion copolymerization of tetrafluoroethylene with propylene

The H₂O₂-photosensitized emulsion copolymerization of tetrafluoroethylene with propylene was carried out at room temperature in the presence of gaseous monomers of 50 mole-% tetrafluoroethylene content. The conversion increased almost linearly with irradiation time. The rate of polymerization was proportional to the 1.0 power of H₂O₂ concentration up to 3.5 × 10^?3M H₂O₂ and the 0.46 power of H₂O₂ concentration above 3.5 × 10^?3M H₂O₂. The result obtained at low H₂O₂ concentration was almost consistent with that obtained in the radiation-induced method. The rate of polymerization was proportional to the 0.58 power of the emulsifier concentration, and the degree of polymerization was independent of the emulsifier concentration. The H₂O₂-photosensitized emulsion copolymerization of tetrafluoroethylene with propylene is terminated mainly by degradative chain transfer of the propagating radical to propylene at low H₂O₂ concentration and by the reaction of the propagating radical with OH radical from photolysis of H₂O₂–aqueous solution at high H₂O₂ concentration.