Electroinitiated Polymerization of Styrene in a Mixed Two-Phase Medium

In extension of our earlier work on electroinitiated polymerization in biphasic media, the electroinitiated polymerization of styrene has been studied using a mixed two-phase system in which formamide together with some added electrolyte is used as the polar phase and the monomer in the bulk form as the nonpolar phase. Among a series of zinc and ferric salts used as the electrolyte, ZnBr₂ was found to be the most effective. The polymer obtained has a molecular weight of 44–47 ± 10³. The effects of various other parameters, such as the dependence of polymer yield on current, the concentration of the electrolyte, the temperature, and the stirring, have also been examined, and a plausible mechanism based on the electrochemical formation of radicals involving a CT complex has been suggested.     

Polymerization of vinyl monomers with chlorosilane compounds and metal halides

It was found that styrene was polymerized with chlorosilane compounds and metal halides in 1,2-dichloroethane. The rate of polymerization of styrene was proportional to the concentration of styrene, trimethylchlorosilane, and mercuric chloride. The overall activation energy of polymerization was ?2.9 kcal/mole. The polymer yield decreased markedly on addition of ether into the polymerization system, and the infrared spectrum showed evidence of silicone fragments in the polymer. From the results, it was considered that the polymerization was initiated by a siliconium cation. The formation of a complex between trimethylchlorosilane and metal halides (i.e., ferric chloride) was confirmed by the continuous variation method of ultraviolet and visible absorption spectra.     

Increased rates of initiation of polymerization by 4-4′-dicyano-4-4′-azopentanoic acid in the presence of ferric salts

The initiation of the polymerization of acrylamide by 4-4′-dicyano-4-4′-azopentanoic acid in aqueous solution has been studied kinetically at 25°C. Ferric chloride and ferric sulfate were used to terminate polymerization so that rates of initiation could be calculated from the rates of production of ferrous iron. Velocity coefficients at 25°C. for the initiation reaction were found to be (25.7 ± 2.8) × 10^?7 sec.^?1 for the ferric chloride terminated reaction and (73.6 ± 0.6) × 10^?7 sec.^?1 for the ferric sulfate-terminated polymerization. The value reported for the initiation reaction when acrylamide is polymerized in the absence of metal salts is 1.29 × 10^?7 sec.^?1. Velocity coefficients for the termination reaction have been calculated from the overall rates of polymerization obtained with ferric salts present. In the case of the ferric chloride-terminated reaction, it has been shown that the rate of polymerization is reduced by increasing the total concentration of chloride ions. Termination velocity coefficients at 25°C. for the inner sphere complexes FeCl²⁺·5H₂O and FeSO₄⁺·4H₂O have been calculated to be 18.9 × 10⁴ and 7.98 × 10⁴ l./mole-sec., respectively. The dependence on the concentration of ferric chloride of the molecular weights of the polymers produced has also been considered.     

Kinetics of polymerization of N-tert-butylacrylamide. Part II

The effect of ferric chloride on the kinetics of the radical polymerization of N-tert-butylacrylamide has been investigated in methanol solution at 25°C, with the use of 4,4′-dicyano-4,4′-azodipentanoic acid as initiator. A shrinkage factor of 0.193 mmole polymerized for 1 mm contraction in a capillary of 1 mm diameter has been obtained from density measurements. In the absence of ferric chloride, rates of polymerization were found to be proportional to the concentration of monomer and to the square root of the initiator concentration. With ferric chloride present, the rate of polymerization becomes directly proportional to the initiator concentration and inversely proportional to the concentration of ferric salt. From measurements of the rates of production of ferrous iron, the specific rate constant of the initiation reaction has been found to be (1.8 ± 0.4) × 10^?6sec^?1 at 25°C, compared with a value of 7.63 × 10^?8 sec^?1 calculated from the kinetic data obtained with no ferric salt present. The value of the ratio k_p/k₄. where k_p is the propagation coefficient and k₄ is the velocity coefficient for termination by ferric chloride, has been calculated to be 6.0 × 10^?4 at 25°C, which is considerably smaller than the value found for the ferric chloride-terminated polymerization of acrylamide in water. This markedly lower value of k_p/k₄ has been attributed principally to the steric effect of the tert-butyl group on the magnitude of k_p.     

Effect of Oxygen on the Polymerization of Vinyl Chloride

The effects of oxygen on the liquid-phase polymerization of vinyl chloride at 55°C in the presence of an added initiator, bis(4-tert-butylcyclohexy1) peroxydicarbonate, (Perkadox 16), have been studied by tumbled dilatometry. A conventional kinetic scheme involving a predominant cross-termination reaction is proposed to explaine the dependence of the induction period on initial oxygen concentration and initiator concentration. The degree of conversion of the initial oxygen to peroxidic compounds did not exceed 30% by weight under any experimental conditions employed, and the existence of other oxidation products such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and methanol has been demonstrated. Radical decomposition reactions may produce some of the oxidation products. At 55°C, the average velocity constant for decomposition of vinyl chloride polyperoxides in dichloromethane solution was 8 × 10^?5 sec^?1 compared with 6.6 × 10^?5 sec^?1 for Perkadox 16. Perkadox 16 has been used as an initiator in a dilatometric study of the homogeneous polymerization of styrene at 60°c. Molecular weights of the polymers were determined viscometrically or by the use of gel-permeation chromatography. The results indicate that no transfer to initiator occurs in this systems.     

无水FeCl_3存在下丙烯酸甲酯的单电子转移活性自由基聚合动力学

单电子转移活性自由基聚合(SET-LRP)是一种可以对聚合物进行有效分子设计,合成不同拓扑结构并且能够有效调节其相对分子质量和相对分子质量分布的新型聚合方法,具有潜在的应用前景。以2-溴丙酸甲酯作为引发剂,Cu(0)/三(N,N-二甲基氨基乙基)胺(Me6-TREN)为复合催化体系,通过在二甲基亚砜中添加不同摩尔浓度的无水FeCl_3来研究其对丙烯酸甲酯的SET-LRP聚合动力学的影响。结果表明,随着三价铁离子量的增加,其链增长速率常数下降并且出现诱导期延长现象,说明三价铁离子参与了SET-LRP的聚合动力学过程,它和在同样实验条件下二价铜所起的作用截然不同,这可能是由于三价铁离子的氧化导致反应体系中一价铜的浓度降低引起的。此项工作从另外一个角度解释了零价铜催化下SET-LRP聚合诱导期产生的原因。     

Synthesis of Poly(styrene sulfonyl chloride) via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and characterization thereof for membrane applications

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been examined for the synthesis of poly (styrene sulfonyl chloride) (PSSC) of high molecular weight and narrow polydispersity index (PDI). PSSC, contains reactive sulfonyl chloride that can allow use of organic solvent for membrane casting, and chemical modification through reactive sulfonyl groups. For PSSC preparation, end-capped styrene i.e. styrene sulfonyl chloride (SSC) is used as a monomer, which is derived from sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate by chlorination with thionyl chloride. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, have been successfully used to confirm the polymer architecture. End-group of PSSC containing RAFT agent (Cyanomethyl N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamodithioate), is also confirmed by fragmentation analysis using Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Evaluation of PSSC by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry showed that resulting polymer is predominantly amorphous in nature and has a glass transition temperature of 119 ​°C. Gel permeation chromatography data reveals formation of high molecular weight (84 ​kDa) PSSC with and low PDI (1.4). Moreover, PSSC can be converted to polyelectrolyte and can be crosslinked by interfacial polymerization concept; hence, it would have considerable prospective for membrane preparation for fuel cell and water purification.     

Studies on the atom transfer radical polymerization of a maleimide AB* monomer and modification of the halogen end groups

The atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of an AB* monomer, N-(4-α-bromobutyryloxy phenyl)maleimide (BBPMI), was conducted using the complex of CuBr/2,2′-bipyridine as catalyst. The study of kinetics of polymerization and the growth behavior of macromolecules show that the polymerization proceeds rapidly in first 1 h and then slows down. The decrease in the rate of polymerization is ascribed to the poor reactivity of maleimide radicals from A* to initiate the polymerization of maleimide double bonds. The molecular weight of the resulting polymer also increases with the dosage of catalyst. The coincidence of molecular weight determined by hydrogen proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) proves that the resulting polymer is of linear structure, which is further verified by ¹³C NMR measurement and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the hydrolysate of the resulting polymer. The stabilization modification of the halogen end groups of the resulting polymer by free-radical chain transfer reaction was attempted under ATRP condition. Isopropyl benzene was employed as the chain transfer agent. Indeed, the modified polymer with carbon-bromine bonds conversion of 40.7% shows enhanced thermal stability. The initial weight loss temperature has been increased from 193 to 243 °C. On the other hand, the atom transfer radical copolymerization of BBPMI with styrene resulted in the formation of hyperbranched polymer.     

Emulsion copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate

Chain transfer constants to monomer have been measured by an emulsion copolymerization technique at 44°C. The monomer transfer constant (ratio of transfer to propagation rate constants) is 1.9 × 10^?5 for styrene polymerization and 0.4 × 10^?5 for the methyl methacrylate reaction. Cross-transfer reactions are important in this system; the sum of the cross-transfer constants is 5.8 × 10^?5. Reactivity ratios measured in emulsion were r₁ (styrene) = 0.44, r₂ = 0.46. Those in bulk polymerizations were r₁ = 0.45, r₂ = 0.48. These sets of values are not significantly different. Monomer feed compcsition in the polymerizing particles is the same as in the monomer droplets in emulsion copolymerization, despite the higher water solubility of methyl methacrylate. The equilibrium monomer concentration in the particles in interval-2 emulsion polymerization was constant and independent of monomer feed composition for feeds containing 0.25–1.0 mole fraction styrene. Radical concentration is estimated to go through a minimum with increasing methyl methacrylate content in the feed. Rates of copolymerization can be calculated a priori when the concentrations of monomers in the polymer particles are known.     

“LIVING”/CONTROLLED RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF ETHYL METHYLACRYLATE WITH 2,2’-AZOBISISOBUTYRONITRILE/FERRIC CHLORIDE/TRIPHENYLPHOSPHINE INITIATION SYSTEM

"Living"/controlled radical polymerization of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) was carried out with a 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)/ferric chloride (FeCl_3)/triphenylphosphine (PPh_3) initiation system at 85℃. Thc numberaverage molecular weight (M_n) increases linearly with monomer conversion and the rate of polymerization is first order withrespect to monomer concentration. The M_w of PEMA ranges from 3900 to 17600 and the polydispersity indices are quitenarrow (1.09～1.22). The conversion can reach up to～100% and M_w of the polymers obtained is close to that designed. Thepolymerization mechanism belongs to the reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The polymer was end-functionalized by chlorine atom, which acts as a macroinitiator to proceed extension polymerization in the presence ofCuBr/bipy catalyst system via an ATRP process. The presence of ω-chlorine in the PEMA obtained was identified by ~1H-NMR spectrum.     

Electroinitiated cationic polymerization of styrene by direct electron transfer

We have studied by cyclic voltammetry the mechanisms of electron transfer and peak potentials of eleven alkenes, propylene oxide, propylene sulfide, and carbon disulfide. We have also studied the cationic polymerization of styrene in acetonitrile solution initiated by controlled potential electrolysis at the anodic peak potential of styrene. The electrolyte used was tetrabutylammonium fluoborate, which was not electroactive at the electrolysis potential, and the reference electrode was a Ag⁰/Ag⁺ electrode. The electrochemical studies show that direct electron transfer from styrene is the initiation steps. Plots of reacted monomer concentrations versus time are sigmoidal curves. The propagation rate constant was found from a kinetic relationship based on an autocatalytic reaction. The activation energy is 15.6 kcal/mole at 20°C. The current behavior and effect of stirring on polymerization rate suggest that the growth of polymer takes place partially on the electrode surface.     

Kinetics of styrene homogeneous polymerization to atactic polypropylene

The rate of polymerization of styrene initiated by hydroperoxidized atactic polypropylene in a homogeneous toluene solution has been measured at 60 and 70°C. The reaction is first-order with respect to styrene concentration and independent of the polymeric hydroperoxide concentration above 2 × 10^?5N hydroperoxide. The individual rate constants, length and frequency of the grafted polystyrene chains along the polypropylene backbone have been calculated and their significance discussed. The initiation rate constant compares closely with values reported for the analogous tert-butyl hydroperoxide-initiated polymerization. The rate constant for the chain transfer termination elementary step at 70°C., however, is 18 times the value reported for the tert-butyl hydroperoxide-initiated polymerization of styrene. This high constant accounts for the relatively low rates of polymerization observed and high termination rates. Chain deactivation is presumably accelerated by increased collisions between growing styrene chains and inactive propylene hydroperoxide and polystyrene molecules. Distribution of polystyrene grafts on polypropylene is estimated from knowledge of effects of styrene concentration, polymeric hydroperoxide concentration, and temperature upon the rate of polymerization.     

Polymerization and copolymerization of trioxane: Factors influencing molecular weight and end groups

In bulk polymerization and copolymerization of trioxane with ethylene oxide, it has been shown that p-chlorophenyldiazonium hexafluorophosphate is a superior catalyst as compared to boron trifluoride dibutyl etherate (BF₃ · Bu₂O). Polymers and copolymers of significantly higher molecular weight have been obtained. The higher molecular weight has been attributed primarily to less inherent chain transfer during propagation, which in turn can be attributed to the superior gegenion PF₆^?. The polymerization proceeds via a clear period followed by sudden solidification. Faster polymerization and higher molecular weight polymers have been observed for homopolymerization than for copolymerization. The polymer yield obtained after solidification is determined by both rate of polymerization and rate of crystallization of polymers. These rates, in turn, are dependent on the catalyst concentration. The molecular weight is determined both by polymer yield and extent of inherent chain transfer. In the range of monomer to catalyst mole ration [M]/[C] = (0.5–20) × 10⁴ investigated, it has been found that in the higher range, the polymer yield is independent of the catalyst concentration and the extent of inherent chain transfer is inversely proportional to the half power of catalyst concentration: [M]/[C] = (0.5–8) × 10⁴ for homopolymerization and (0.5–3) × 10⁴ for copolymerization with 4.2 mole % ethylene oxide. In the lower range, the yield decreases with catalyst concentration and the extent of inherent chain transfer is inversely proportional to higher power of catalyst concentration. The dependence of molecular weight of polymers on catalyst concentration has been shown to be a complex one. The molecular weight goes through a maximum as the catalyst concentration is decreased. The maximum molecular weights have been obtained at [M]/[C] ≈ 8 × 10⁴ for homopolymerization and ～3 × 10⁴ for copolymerization with 4.2 mole % ethylene oxide. Prior to reaching maximum the molecular weight is inversely proportional to the half power of catalyst concentration indicating it is primarily controlled by inherent chain transfer. Upon further decrease of catalyst, molecular weight decreases as a result of both a decrease in polymer yield and an increase in inherent chain transfer. In copolymerization of trioxane and ethylene oxide, it has been ascertained that methylene chloride exhibits a favorable solvating effect. Although higher inherent chain transfer takes place in copolymerization than in homopolymerization, the extent of chain transfer is independent of ethylene oxide concentration. The difference in polymer yield and molecular weight a t different ethylene oxide concentrations is attributed primarily to the difference in k_p/k_t ratio. It also has been demonstrated that end capping of polymer chains can be accomplished by the use of a chain transfer agent—methylal.     

γ-Ray-induced copolymerization of ethylene and vinyl chloride in liquid carbon dioxide

The γ-ray-induced copolymerization of ethylene and vinyl chloride with the use of liquid carbon dioxide as a solvent was studied under a total pressure of 400 kg/cm², with a dose rate of 2.5 × 10⁴ rad/hr at 30°C. A rubberlike, sticky polymer is obtained when the molar concentration of vinyl chloride is less than 30% in the monomer mixture, and the polymer is a white powder at higher concentrations of vinyl chloride. Infrared, x-ray, and differential thermal analyses confirm that the polymerization products are noncrystalline, true random copolymers. The rate of copolymerization decreases markedly when a small amount of vinyl chloride is added to ethylene monomer. In the range of vinyl chloride concentration higher than 5%, however, the rate and the molecular weight of copolymer increase with increasing concentration of vinyl chloride. It has been concluded from kinetic considerations based on these results that the rate of initiation increases proportionally with the concentration of vinyl chloride. Further, the growing chain radicals are shown to be deactivated by the cross-termination reaction between the radicals with terminal unit of ethylene and vinyl chloride, and no transfer reaction occurs.     

The thermal polymerization of styrene in diethyladipate at temperatures up to 160°

The thermal polymerization of styrene in diethyladipate has been studied dilatometrically at temperatures from 90 to 160°. The rate was found to be directly proportional to (monomer concentration)² and the molecular weight of the polymer formed was controlled mainly by chain transfer to monomer, particularly at the higher temperatures. A value of 86 ± 2 kJ/mol was obtained for the overall energy of activation for the polymerization, and values of 7.16 × 10^?5. 2.0 × 10^?4 and 5.5 × 10^?4 were found for the transfer constant for diethyladipate at 120. 140 and 160° respectively.     

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer graft polymerization of styrene: Solid phases for organic and peptide synthesis

The γ‐initiated reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT)‐agent‐mediated free‐radical graft polymerization of styrene onto a polypropylene solid phase has been performed with cumyl phenyldithioacetate (CPDA). The initial CPDA concentrations range between 1 × 10^?2 and 2 × 10^?3 mol L^?1 with dose rates of 0.18, 0.08, 0.07, 0.05, and 0.03 kGy h^?1. The RAFT graft polymerization is compared with the conventional free‐radical graft polymerization of styrene onto polypropylene. Both processes show two distinct regimes of grafting: (1) the grafting layer regime, in which the surface is not yet totally covered with polymer chains, and (2) a regime in which a second polymer layer is formed. Here, we hypothesize that the surface is totally covered with polymer chains and that new polymer chains are started by polystyrene radicals from already grafted chains. The grafting ratio of the RAFT‐agent‐mediated process is controlled via the initial CPDA concentration. The molecular weight of the polystyrene from the solution (PS_free) shows a linear behavior with conversion and has a low polydispersity index. Furthermore, the loading of the grafted solid phase shows a linear relationship with the molecular weight of PS_free for both regimes. Regime 2 has a higher loading capacity per molecular weight than regime 1. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 4180–4192, 2002     

Effect of monomer hydrophilicity on ARGET–ATRP kinetics in aqueous mini-emulsion polymerization

Activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)-based aqueous miniemulsion polymerization where the polymerization takes place in the stabilized monomer droplets is described. In this work, we compared styrene, n-butyl methacrylate (nBMA) and tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA) and investigated the influence of their hydrophobicity on dispersity, molecular weight and particle stability based their partition coefficients (logP) (2.67, 2.23, and 1.86, respectively). Tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) was used as a phase transfer agent for the controlled delivery of Cu²⁺-Br/tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA), a hydrophilic catalyst, into monomer droplets of varying hydrophobicity. The resulting dispersity and particle stability of each polymer is a function of its logP value, with the most hydrophobic monomer (styrene) displaying the narrowest dispersity and most control (Đ < 1.3), and the most hydrophilic polymer poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (PtBMA) having reduced emulsion stability, determined by the observation of aggregate formation. Selected polymerization parameters, including effects of total ascorbic acid feed concentration and the monomer concentration and their effects on dispersity are reported. The controlled polymerizations of hydrophilic monomers using ARGET-ATRP in miniemulsion conditions and understanding the effect of monomer hydrophilicity on the emulsion stability will broaden the use of ARGET-ATRP in emulsion polymerization for the synthesis of polymer-grafted nanoparticles with hydrophilic corona.     

Head-to-tail regioregularity of poly(3-hexylthiophene) in oxidative coupling polymerization with FeCl3

We investigated a head-to-tail regioregularity of poly(3-alkylthiophenes) from 3-alkylthiophene by an oxidative coupling polymerization, which is the simplest and easiest way for the synthesis of polythiophenes. The polymerizations were conducted using ferric chloride (III) as an oxidant in chloroform. Investigating the polymerization conditions, a lower temperature and a lower concentration were effective for increasing the head-to-tail (HT) content. The best HT content of 88% was obtained when the temperature was −45°C and the initial monomer concentration was 0.02 mol L⁻¹. Washing the resulting polymer by n-hexane further increased the content to 91%. Thus, it was found that the high regioselectivity can be achieved by the simple polymerization and the simple operation such as washing. The polymerization mechanism causing the regularity is also discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1943–1948, 1999     

The effect of HCl on the polymerization of aniline with ferric chloride

The chemical oxidation of aniline with ferric chloride, FeCl₃ · 6H₂O in the HCl aqueous solutions to form polyaniline (PANI) powder and films has been investigated. The effect of acid concentration on the deposition of PANI film in situ was studied. The presence of an acid affects both the yield of the polymer and the growth rate of the film. This effect was corroborated by the UV-visible absorption studies of the films deposited on glass supports during the polymerization. The influence of the acid on the yield of the PANI powder formed in the bulk solution was also examined. We have found that the yield of the polymer formed either on the surface or in the bulk solution decreased with the increasing concentration of HCl. The effect of HCl concentration on the in situ UV-visible absorption at the early stages of aniline polymerization is also discussed. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Regulating Gelation Time and Kinetics Analysis Based on the ARGET ATRP Mechanism

A novel activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiation system composing of an initiator sodium chloroacetate, a catalyst ferric chloride, and a reducing agent ascorbic acid was developed to improve the gelation time of the in situ crosslinked polymer system. The kinetics of polymerization of acrylamide showed features of a living/controlled process in which the concentrations of the growing radicals [P·] are kept constant throughout the polymerization process. Compared with conventional potassium persulfate initiators, the gelation time of the in situ crosslinked polymer system can be improved to 40 h or even longer using the ARGET ATRP initiation system at 80 °C due to the low radical concentration and slow polymerization reaction. Core flooding test showed that the ARGET ATRP initiating system developed could initiate the polymerization reaction of the in situ crosslinked polymer system in the core. However, the gelation time was extended in comparison to that of the result obtained in the bottle, resulting from the dilution and adsorption of ARGET ATRP components during the injection process. The research expands the application field of the ARGET ATRP principle and has a promising prospect on controlling the gelation time of the in situ crosslinked polymer system. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 58, 519–527