High-pressure reactions. III. Hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile

Polyacrylonitrile prepared from γ-irradiated monomer was found to react readily with water over a pressure range of 5,130–34,200 atm. to yield polyacrylamide, while polymer prepared by conventional free-radical catalysts will not hydrolyze under the same conditions. Reaction rates at 85°C. were measured; hydrolysis was extremely rapid at higher temperatures. Results are presented to indicate the radical nature of the reaction. Addition of a free-radical source increases the amount of hydrolysis. Pressure has an effect on the properties of the resulting polyacrylamide.