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.