Aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated by the redox system Ce(IV)–isopropyl alcohol. Kinetics and molecular weight |
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Authors: | M D Fernndez G M Guzmn |
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Institution: | M. D. Fernández,G. M. Guzmán |
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Abstract: | 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 (RCe)?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. |
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