Styrenic surfmer in emulsion copolymerization of acrylic monomers. II. Copolymerization and film properties

Polymerizable styrenic surfactants (surfmers) and nonreactive analogs, have been applied in emulsion copolymerization of acrylic monomers in a seeded semibatch process. Stable core-shell latexes with low levels of coagulum and controlled particle size have been obtained; some of them, with either steric or electrosteric stabilization, display excellent stability to electrolytes, freeze–thaw cycles, and shear flocculation. In addition, the reactive surfactants lead to films with superior performance due to reduced migration of surfactant to the surface (contact angle measurements) and dimensional stability when the films are dipped in water, as well as less water uptake. Some differences also appear in particle morphologies. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 4205–4217, 1999     

Controlled,radical reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization in high‐surfactant‐concentration ionic miniemulsions

Living free‐radical polymerization of methacrylate and styrenic monomers with ionic surfactants was carried out with reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer in miniemulsion with different surfactant types and concentrations. The previously reported problem of phase separation was found to be insignificant at higher surfactant concentrations, and control of the molar mass and polydispersity index was superior to that of published miniemulsion systems. Cationic and anionic surfactants were used to examine the validity of the argument that ionic surfactants interfere with transfer agents. Ionic surfactants were suitable for miniemulsion polymerization under certain conditions. The colloidal stability of the miniemulsions was consistent with the predictions of a specific model. The living character of the polymer that comprised the latex material was shown by its transformation into block copolymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 960–974, 2004     

Synthesis of needle-like crystalline particles by chemical-oxidative dispersion polymerization of xylidine

 Chemical-oxidative dispersion polymerization of 3, 5-xylidine was carried out in an aqueous medium with ammonium persulfate as an oxidant and polyvinylalcohol as a stabilizer. The polymerization proceeded smoothly at room temperature, resulting in a stable polyxylidine (PXy) dispersion. The produced PXy particles had two types of shapes: needle-like and spherical. Results obtained by electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction measurements indicated that the PXy needle-like particles had a crystalline structure. Received: 14 January 1997 Accepted: 03 September 1997     

Polyaniline dispersions 7. Dynamic light scattering study of particle formation

 When aniline is oxidized in the presence of colloidal silica, composite polyaniline–silica particles of submicrometer size are obtained. Dynamic light scattering was used to monitor the course of dispersion polymerization of aniline and the formation of particles. The increase of a hydrodynamic radius of particles was observed as polyaniline had been produced. Additional increase in particle size after polymerization has also been recorded. The rate of aniline polymerization was found to increase with increasing temperature in the range 0–50 °C. Well-defined particles are formed below 30 °C while above this temperature the colloidal stability of the resulting systems is limited. The activation energy of aniline polymerization was estimated. Received: 24 February 1997 Accepted: 7 May 1997     

New Perspectives in Living/Controlled Anionic Polymerization

Summary: Control of the reactivity and selectivity of active species remains a major challenge in the course of living/controlled polymerizations of vinyl and heterocyclic monomers. We have found that alkyl metal derivatives such as dialkylmagnesium or trialkylaluminum derivatives or the corresponding alkoxyakyl metal derivatives, when added to conventional anionic polymerization systems, are very effective mediators for the controlled anionic polymerization of both styrenic and oxirane monomers. When used as additives to alkali metal alkyl initiators (alkyl lithium, alkyl sodium) for the styrene anionic polymerizations, they strongly retard the reactivity of the propagating species and allow controlling the polymerization in very unusual conditions (bulk, very high temperature). On the contrary, when used in combination to the same alkali metal based initiators for the anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, these additives can drastically enhance the reactivity and the selectivity of the propagating species allowing a fast living-like polymerization to proceed already at low temperature in hydrocarbon media.     

Ring opening polymerization of propylene oxide by chitosan-supported rare earth catalytic system and its kinetics

Ring opening polymerization of propylene oxide in the presence of a new type of catalytic system composed of chitosan-supported rare earth complex, triisobutyl aluminium, and acetylacetone and its kinetics have been studied for the first time. It has been found that the characteristics of this catalytic system are of high catalytic activity, of higher stereoselectivity, and of a high molecular weight polymer of 2 × 10⁶. Kinetic studies show that the polymerization rate is first order with respect to monomer concentration and catalyst concentration, respectively. The apparent activation energy of the polymerization reaction is 37.1 kJ/mol. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 2177–2182, 1997     

Reactive surfactants in heterophase polymerization. Part XXI—kinetics of styrene dispersion polymerization stabilized with poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomers

The kinetics of styrene dispersion polymerization, using poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomers as precursors for the stabilization, has been studied. The conversions of both styrene and macromonomers have been determined. The effects of various parameters such as the polarity of the medium, the nature and the amount of macromonomer and the concentrations of the reactants have been studied. A strong gel effect was observed, the main polymerization process taking place inside the particles where the average number of radicals per particle may be more than a thousand. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hemiesters and hemiamides of maleic and succinic acid: synthesis and application of surfactants in emulsion polymerization with styrene and butyl acrylate

Hemiesters and hemiamides of maleic acid with different chain lengths of the hydrophobic alkyl group (R = C₈H₁₇, C₁₀H₂₁, C₁₂H₂₅, C₁₆H₃₃) have been synthesized and used as surfactants in the emulsion polymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate. The same polymerization experiments were also carried out using nonreactive surfactants with an analogous succinic structure. The chemical structure of the surfactants was confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. The melting point and critical micelle concentration of the reactive surfactants described herein were measured. All of the surfactants studied provided good stability of styrene/butyl acrylate latexes, when compared with a reference latex of a styrene/butyl acrylate copolymer prepared with a surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. The amount of surfactant grafted onto the particles of the final latex was estimated by conductimetric titration. Between 33 and 68% of surfactant used in emulsion polymerization was found on the surface of latex particles. Electrolyte addition at high concentration and freeze/thaw cycle cause flocculation of latexes. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new anionic, hydrolysis-resistant polymerizable surfactant: synthesis and polymerization

The synthesis and some surfactant properties of a new type of sulfonated anionic monomer which is useful for free-radical polymerization are described. The monomer is based on the isobutenyl moiety as a reactive group. Higher homologues behave as polymerizable surfactants (“surfmers”). Copolymerization with a number of standard monomers is possible, as well as homopolymerization under micellar conditions. Received: 1 December 1998 Accepted in revised form: 11 March 1999     

Synthesis of monodispersed poly(acrylonitrile) microspheres by dispersion polymerization in compressed liquid dimethyl ether

In this study, monodispersed spherical particles of poly(acrylonitrile) were synthesized via dispersion polymerization in compressed liquid dimethyl ether using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator and five kinds of surfactants: PDMS-g-pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (Monasil PCA™), PDMS modified surfactants, SS-5050K™, KF-6017™, poly(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10- heptadecafluorodecyl acrylate), and poly(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate). Using Monasil PCA as a surfactant, uniform and spherical polymer particles were generated. The size of the microsphere particles was reduced via an increase in the concentration of Monasil PCA and a reduction in the monomer concentration. Increases in the concentration of AIBN resulted in a broad distribution of microspheres. Reaction temperature and pressure did not exert significant effects on the size and size distribution of the polymer particles.     

One-step synthesis of macromonomers catalyzed by phosphazene base

Herein, we report one-step synthesis of polymethacrylates-based macromonomers (MMs) in the presence of an organocatalyst phosphazene base (t-BuP₄) and a functional initiator N-butyl-4-vinylbenzamide (N-BVBA) containing a secondary amide and a styrenic double bond. A series of styrenic MMs with controlled molecular weight and relatively narrow polydispersity were synthesized under mild conditions. Detailed NMR analyses of the initiation process suggested that the anionic polymerization was initiated by nitrogen anion generated from abstraction of the proton from the secondary amide. NMR and MALDI-TOF MS analyses confirmed: (1) the selective polymerization of methacrylate-type double bonds, (2) controlled chain-end functionality of MMs with an unreacted styrenic double bond, as well as (3) the absence of transesterification between N-BVBA and methacrylate monomers. Furthermore, the homopolymerization and copolymerization of the MMs with comonomers were carried out for the preparation of graft copolymers. Through conventional radical polymerization, graft copolymers with different grafting densities were obtained at high MMs conversions, indicating the high reactivity of MMs. Thus, the one-step approach demonstrates a simple metal-free access to the controlled synthesis of MMs, and the prepared MMs can polymerize efficiently to convert into graft copolymers.     

Propagation velocity of the reaction front in addition polymerization systems

Traveling polymerization fronts in unstirred solutions of methylmethacrylate, methacrylic acid, or acrylamide with some free radicals initiators (through thermal decomposition) have been observed experimentally. A local heating of the initial reactant mixture, under suitable conditions, leads to a reaction front that propagates along the space coordinate with a constant velocity. In this article, a physical interpretation of this phenomenon is provided through a mathematical model that accounts for the depolimerization reaction and is based on the constant pattern approach. Moreover, an approximate explicit analytic expression for the velocity of propagation of the polymerization front is proposed. The theoretical values are compared with those measured experimentally as a function of the initiator concentration for different addition polymerization systems. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35:1047–1059, 1997     

Synthesis of Styrenic‐Terminated Methacrylate Macromonomers by Nitroanion‐Initiated Living Anionic Polymerization

N‐Isopropyl‐4‐vinylbenzylamine (PVBA) was synthesized and used as an initiator for the polymerization of methacrylates to synthesize macromonomers with terminal styrenic moieties. LiPVBA initiated a living polymerization and block copolymerization of methyl methacrylate, 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and tert‐butyl methacrylate and produced polymers having well‐controlled molecular weights and very low polydispersities (M̄_w/M̄_n < 1.1) in quantitative yield. ¹H NMR analysis revealed that the polymers contained terminal 4‐vinylbenzyl groups. The macromonomers were reactive in the copolymerization with styrene.     

Thiocarbonylthio end group removal from RAFT‐synthesized polymers by a radical‐induced process

The removal of thiocarbonylthio end groups by radical‐addition‐fragmentation‐ coupling from polymers synthesized by RAFT polymerization has been studied. We found that a method, which involves heating the polymer with a large excess (20 molar equivalents) of azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN), while successful with methacrylic polymers, is less effective with styrenic or acrylic polymers and provides only partial end group removal. This is attributed to the propagating radicals generated from the latter polymers being poor radical leaving groups relative to the cyanoisopropyl radical. Similar use of lauroyl peroxide (LPO) completely removes the thiocarbonylthio groups from styrenic or acrylic polymers but, even with LPO in large excess, produces a polymer with a bimodal molecular weight distribution. The formation of a peak of double molecular weight is indicative of the occurrence of self‐termination and ineffective radical trapping. We now report that by use of a combination of LPO (2 molar equivalents) and AIBN (20 molar equivalents) we are able to completely remove thiocarbonylthio end groups of styrenic or acrylic polymers and minimize the occurrence of self termination. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6704–6714, 2009     

Emulsion copolymerization of styrene with a nonionic styrenic polymerizable surfactant

Among the variety of possible structures for polymerizable surfactants, it seems clear that the most interesting should be those with the reactive group located in the hydrophobic part of the molecule. We report here a study based on such a surfactant. Its general formula is A set of surfactants has been produced with m varying from 23 to 48 and n = 6 or 12. The compounds have been characterised by ¹H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), size exclusion chromatography, surface tension measurements and turbidimetry. These surfactants have been copolymerized with styrene in emulsion polymerization. The coagulum is rather important, except if m is large enough. Although the incorporation of the surfactant in the latex is rather high. Most of the anchored surfactant remains at the surface and is not too buried inside. The particle size decreases with both the amount of surfactant and the length of its hydrophilic part. The use of these polymerizable surfactants leads to an excellent stability of the latex against the addition of electrolytes, and also against freeze-thawing constraints.     

Preparation of functional polymers by living anionic polymerization: Polymerization of allyl methacrylate

The anionic polymerization of allyl methacrylate was carried out in tetrahydrofuran, both in the presence and in the absence of LiCl, with a variety of initiators, at various temperatures. It was found that (1,1-diphenylhexyl)lithium and the living oligomers of methyl methacrylate and tert-butyl methacrylate are suitable initiators for the anionic polymerization of this monomer. The temperature should be below −30°C, even in the presence of LiCl, for the living polymerization to occur. When the polymerization proceeded at −60°C, in the presence of LiCl, with (1,1-diphenylhexyl)-lithium as initiator, the number-average molecular weight of the polymer was directly proportional to the monomer conversion and monodisperse poly(allyl methacrylate)s with high molecular weights were obtained. ¹H-NMR and FT-IR indicated that the α CC double bond of the monomer was selectively polymerized and that the allyl group remained unreacted. The prepared poly(allyl methacrylate) is a functional polymer since it contains a reactive CC double bond on each repeating unit. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 2901–2906, 1997     

Morphology of anomalous polystyrene/ polybutyl acrylate composite particles produced by seeded emulsion polymerization

 Recently, we found that “golf ball”-like polystyrene (PS)/polybutyl acrylate (PBA) composite particles could be produced by seeded emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) with PS seed particles. In this article, the effects of the polymerization temperature, BA monomer concentration, and the presence of 1-octanol, which is a good solvent for PBA and a poor solvent for PS in the polymerization, on the morphology was studied. Received: 25 February 1997 Accepted: 4 October 1997     

Polymerization of cyclic imino ethers: From its discovery to the present state of the art

Topics concerning the cationic ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic imino ethers and functional material production based on the resulting polymers are reviewed. Cyclic imino ethers are readily subjected to isomerization polymerization via cationic initiators. Mechanistic studies have provided a new concept, electrophilic polymerization. Double isomerization polymerization and no‐catalyst alternating copolymerization are interesting examples that show characteristics of the ring opening of cyclic imino ethers. The living polymerization of these monomers affords precisely controlled polymeric materials. Through the use of the unique properties of the product polymers, various functional polymeric materials, such as polymeric nonionic surfactants, compatibilizers, hydrogels, stabilizers for dispersion polymerization, biocatalyst modifiers, and supramolecular assemblies, have been developed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 192–209, 2002     

Emulsifier for microemulsion polymerization

 By introducing an hydroxyl group and a lipophilic branch into the middle of lipophilic head of emulsifier 12-oxy-9-octadecenoic acid, a new emulsifier was synthesized and applied in microemulsion polymerization. When the emulsifier content in the microemulsion was kept to about 12%, the highest monomer content in microemulsion could achieve 35% for BA, 20% for St and MMA. The microemulsion with high monomer content remained clear after polymerization, and the average diameters of polymer particles were 38.9 nm for St microemulsion, 47.4 nm for BA, and 50.7 nm for MMA. Received: 18 November 1997 Accepted: 16 January 1998     

Thiol-ended polyethylene oxide as reactive stabilizer for dispersion polymerization of styrene

 Radical dispersion polymerization of styrene in aqueous ethanol solutions was performed in the presence of a new reactive polyethylene oxide stabilizer with thiol end groups. This reactive stabilizer was compared to the more conventional poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone). Particles size distribution, molecular weights and kinetics were investigated. Monodispersed polymer particles with diameter in the range 200–2000 nm were obtained depending on the amount of stabilizer used. In all cases, the polyethylene oxide (PEO) sequence of the dispersant was partly incorporated at the surface of the latex particles, but the grafting yield of polyethylene oxide chains was always limited and did not exceed 15%. Part of the stabilizer being unreacted or reacted with low molecular weight polystyrene remained in the continuous phase. Received: 26 September 1996 Accepted: 4 March 1997