On distribution of molecular weight in anionic polymerizates of caprolactam

Measurement has been made of the dependence of the molecular weight distribution on the ratio of the catalytic system components and on the polymerization time for polycaprolactam obtained by anionic polymerization. A bimodal character of the curves was observed for products made using molar ratios of activator (N-benzoylcaprolactam) to initiator (sodium dihydro-bis(methoxyethoxy)aluminate) of 1:1 and 1:3, when the polymerization times were less than 1 hr. This course is explained by the influence of fast side-reactions, mainly condensations. For a ratio of 3:1 of the components of the catalytic system, smooth integral distribution curves are obtained, accounting for a very fast decrease in the strong base concentration in the initial stages of the polymerization.