Non-bioaccumulative, environmentally preferable stabilizer architectures for the dispersion polymerization of MMA in supercritical CO2

To overcome the environmental concerns associated with long-chain perfluorinated compounds, in this report, non-bioaccumulative, environmentally friendly stabilizer architectures based on short-chain fluorinated polymers have been designed for the dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in supercritical CO₂. Random copolymers composed of 2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DPAEMA) and 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl methacrylate (FBMA) or 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentyl methacrylate were prepared with various comonomer ratios and utilized as stabilizers. It was found that the copolymers effectively stabilized PMMA latexes in CO₂, leading to the formation of free-flowing, spherical PMMA particles. With increase in the concentration of the stabilizer poly(FBMA-co-DPAEMA) from 2% to 6% (w/w with respected to MMA), the particles diameter decreased from 3.02 to 1.0 μm.     

Copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and alkyl acrylates: Studies of molecular weight distribution and thermal behavior

Several copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), n-butyl acrylate (BA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared at 70°C in nitrogen atmosphere using 0.2% (w/v) benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The copolymer composition was evaluated by estimation of hydroxyl group in the copolymers. Intrinsic viscosity of HEMA–EA, HEMA–BA, and HEMA–MMA copolymers was determined at 35°C in dimethyl formamide. Molecular weight distribution of copolymer samples was evaluated by gel permeation chromatography. Thermal behavior of the copolymers was investigated by dynamic thermogravimetry. Thermal stability decreased on increasing HEMA content in MA, EA, and BA copolymers. However, a reverse trend was observed in HEMA–MMA copolymers.     

Radiation initiated graft copolymerization of N-vinylpyrrolidone and acrylamide onto low density polyethylene films by individual and binary system

A study has been made for the preparation of membranes by the direct radiation grafting of N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP), acrylamide (AAm) and its comonomer onto low density polyethylene (LDPE) films. The factors affecting the grafting process such as solvent, inhibitor, radiation dose, dose rate, monomer and comonomer concentrations on the grafting yield were studied. Dioxane was chosen as a diluent and the addition of any inhibitor failed in this grafting system. The optimum comonomer composition at which the highest grafting yield was obtained, was found to be (20/80 wt% of AAm/NVP) comonomer. The dependence of the grafting rate upon NVP, AAm and its comonomer concentration for comonomer composition (50/50 and 20/80 AAm/NVP) was found to be 1.7, 1.44, 1.9 and 1.7 order, respectively. Some selective properties of the graft copolymers such as, swelling behaviour, electrical and mechanical properties were investigated. On the other hand, the thermal stability of these membranes was measured by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). An improvement of these properties was observed which makes possible the use of these membranes in some practical applications such as the removal of some heavy metals from waste water.     

Copolymerizations of alkyl methacrylates with vinyltriacetoxysilane

Copolymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) with vinyltriacetoxysilane (VTAS) have been carried out in bulk at 70°. The compositions of the copolymers were determined from their silicon contents; the reactivity ratios were calculated by the Kelen-Tüdős method. For MMA/VTAS, r₁ = 7.75 ± 0.31 and for BMA/VTAS, r₁ = 4.62 ± 0.15; in both systems, r₂ is zero, indicating that VTAS does not homopolymerize under the experimental conditions. The influence of the silicon comonomer on properties of the copolymers, such as solubility annd thermal behaviour, was studied.     

The flame-retardant material - 1. Studies on thermal characteristics and flame retardance behavior of phosphorus-containing copolymer of methyl methacrylate with 2-methacryloxyethyl phenyl phosphate

2-Methacryloxyethyl phenyl phosphate/methyl methacrylate (MEPP/MMA) copolymers were synthesized by the bulk polymerization of MMA in the presence of various amounts of MEPP. MEPP was prepared by the esterification of phenyl dichlorophosphate with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, followed by hydrolysis. Structural and compositional details of MEPP were obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometer, as well as by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios of MEPP/MMA system were calculated by the methods of Fineman-Ross, Kelen-Tüdös, and Joshi-Joshi. The thermal degradation temperature of the MEPP/MMA copolymers was considerably enhanced by only a slight decrease in T_g, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis experiments. The fire-retardant properties of MEPP/MMA copolymers were also studied by LOI and UL-94 tests, indicating that an MEPP/MMA copolymer with only 2.17 wt% phosphorus can effectively inhibit burning.     

Applicability of photochemically generated pendant benzoyl peroxides in both “grafting from” and “grafting to” techniques

Methyl methacrylate and styrene copolymers containing pendant benzil groups, such as 1-[4-(2-methacroyloxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-phenyl-1,2-ethanedione-co-methyl metacrylate (BzMA/MMA), 1-[4-(2-methacroyloxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-phenyl-1,2-ethanedione-co-styrene (BzMA/S), and 1-phenyl-2-(4-propenoylphenyl)-1,2-ethanedione-co-styrene (PCOCO/S), were prepared and used as precursors for photochemically generated pendant benzoyl peroxides. Decomposition of the pendant benzoyl peroxides was subsequently used in grafting processes. Either irradiation or a combination of irradiation with subsequent thermal treatment was adopted for grafting a thin layer of BzMA/MMA copolymer onto the surface of LDPE films. The grafting resulted in a significant decrease in contact angle of the film surface. The same activation strategy was successfully adopted to initiate the polymerisation of acrylic or methacrylic acids from the surface of styrene copolymer films containing the initiator precursor in the polymer side chains (BzMA/S and PCOCO/S). The successful surface grafting was proved by contact angles measurement as well as by infrared spectroscopic analysis.     

Synthesis of star‐shaped copolymers with methyl methacrylate and n‐butyl methacrylate by metal‐catalyzed living radical polymerization: Block and random copolymer arms and microgel cores

Various star‐shaped copolymers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n‐butyl methacrylate (nBMA) were synthesized in one pot with RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃‐catalyzed living radical polymerization and subsequent polymer linking reactions with divinyl compounds. Sequential living radical polymerization of nBMA and MMA in that order and vice versa, followed by linking reactions of the living block copolymers with appropriate divinyl compounds, afforded star block copolymers consisting of AB‐ or BA‐type block copolymer arms with controlled lengths and comonomer compositions in high yields (≥90%). The lengths and compositions of each unit varied with the amount of each monomer feed. Star copolymers with random copolymer arms were prepared by the living radical random copolymerization of MMA and nBMA followed by linking reactions. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 633–641, 2002; DOI 10.1002/pola.10145     

Thermal stability of poly(acryloyl chloride) homopolymer and copolymers of acryloyl chloride with methyl methacrylate

The thermal stabilities of poly(acryloyl chloride) homopolymer and copolymers of acryloyl chloride with methyl methacrylate covering the entire composition range were studied by thermogravimetric analysis. At each extreme of the composition range incorporation of comonomer units results in a copolymer which is less stable than the PMMA homopolymer. The activation energies of the decomposition of the copolymers were calculated using the Arrhenius equation and found to decrease from 32.2 to 12.5 kJ mol^?1 as acryloyl chloride concentration of the copolymer increases, indicating that the copolymers of higher acryloyl chloride concentration should easier decompose than other copolymers. The reactivity ratios of the copolymer were calculated and found to ber ₁(AC)=0.2±0.02 andr ₂(MMA)=0.9±0.1.     

Synthesis and electrical response of acrylic acid/vinyl sulfonic acid hydrogels prepared by γ-irradiation

The electro-active acrylic acid/vinyl sulfonic acid copolymer (AAc/VS) was prepared using γ-radiation. The effect of preparation conditions such as comonomer composition and irradiation dose on copolymer gelation degree, and swelling property of the prepared copolymer in water and different electrolytes of various concentrations was studied. The degree of gelation decreases by increasing the VS content in the feed solution and increases by increasing the irradiation dose. The swelling degree decreases by increasing the irradiation dose and ionic strength. The electro-activity of the prepared AAc/VS copolymer was investigated to find out that it greatly affected by polymer composition and crosslinking density as well as the hydrogel counter ion. The electrical sensitivity increases by the increase of VS content and crosslinking density in the copolymer. AAc/VS copolymers showed various degrees of bending behavior depending on the counter ion. The presence of potassium as counter ion maximized the electrical response of the polymer.     

Dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate in supercritical CO2 in the presence of non-fluorous random copolymers

A series of non-fluorous random copolymers, composed of 3-[tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl] propyl methacrylate and 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, poly(SiMA-co-DMAEMA) with different comonomer ratios were prepared and utilized as stabilizers for the free radical dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂). It was demonstrated that the composition and concentration of the stabilizer have a dramatic effect on the morphology of resulting poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) latex. When the copolymeric stabilizer poly(SiMA-co-DMAEMA) (71:29) was employed, free-flowing spherical PMMA particles were produced in high yield. As the concentration of stabilizer increases, the resulting size of colloidal particles decreases. In addition, the monomer concentration and initial pressure affected the particle diameter of PMMA.     

丙烯酸(N-甲基全氟己烷磺酰胺基)乙酯与MMA梯度共聚物的合成与表征

通过电子转移再生催化剂的原子转移自由基聚合(ARGET ATRP)研究了甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)和丙烯酸(N-甲基全氟己烷磺酰胺基)乙酯(C₆SA)的共聚可控性及单体的反应活性, 利用Kelen-Tüdos法测得MMA和C₆SA的表观竞聚率分别为r(MMA)=1.42, r(C₆SA)=0.34. 在此基础上, 考察了聚合过程中共聚物组成和表面能的变化. 共聚物的凝胶渗透色谱法(GPC)曲线呈现严格的单峰分布, 分子量随着转化率的增加而增加, 且分布较窄(多分散系数PDI<1.3), 共聚反应表现出"活性"聚合的特征. 静态接触角测试结果显示, 共聚物表面能随着转化率的增加而降低, ¹H NMR结果显示, C₆SA链节的含量随着分子链的增长而增加, 分子链由开始时的MMA为主导转变为后期的C₆SA为主导, 表明形成了梯度共聚物.     

Synthesis of graft copolymer derivatives of brominated poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene)

Strategies for preparing graft copolymers from brominated poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) (BIIR) are demonstrated. Selective dehydrohalogenation of the allylic bromide functionality within BIIR to give an exo-conjugated diene is described, along with subsequent cycloadditions of maleic anhydride (MAn) and its mono-ester and di-ester derivatives. Alcoholysis of the bicyclic anhydride product of BIIR dehydrobromination/MAn cycloaddition is used to produce an IIR-g-PE copolymer in low yield. An alternate approach involving bromide displacement from BIIR by the salts of maleate half-esters is shown to be an efficient means of generating isobutylene-rich copolymers containing polyethylene, polyethylene oxide and polycaprolactone grafts.     

Model‐based design and synthesis of gradient MMA/tBMA copolymers by computer‐programmed semibatch atom transfer radical copolymerization

Methyl methacrylate (MMA)/tert‐butyl methacrylate (tBMA) gradient copolymers having linear and hyperbolic composition profiles were synthesized. These special copolymer products were achieved via a model‐based computer‐controlled semibatch atom transfer radical copolymerization (ATRcoP) process. A simple ATRcoP model was developed based on the terminal model. The equilibrium constants in the ATRP of MMA and tBMA were estimated by the data correlation. The model was verified by batch experiments and was found to give good correlation for the polymerization rate, molecular weight, and copolymer composition data. The model coupled with a reactor model was then applied to the semibatch ATRcoP and was used to calculate comonomer feeding rates for the targeted gradient composition profiles. It was found that the experimental monomer conversion, molecular weight, and cumulative copolymer composition were in good agreement with their targeted theoretical values. The gradient copolymers had low polydispersities close to 1.1. This work demonstrated the feasibility of the model‐based semibatch ATRcoP in fine‐tuning gradient copolymer composition profiles. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 69–79, 2009     

SYNTHESIS OF ABA TYPE TRIBLOCK COPOLYMERS BY RADICAL POLYMERIZATION WITH 1,4-BIS(p-TERTBUTYLPHENYLSELENOMETHYL) BENZENE AS A PHOTOINIFERTER

1,4-Bis(p-tert-butylphenylselenomethyl)benzene was used as a bifunctional photoiniferter for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). Both the polymer yields and the number average of molecular weights ([Mbar]_n) of polymers increased with the polymerization time and the [Mbar]_n linearly increased with polymer yield. The addition of MMA to the poly(MMA) with irradiation increased the [Mbar]_n of the polymer. Photoirradiation of telechelic polystyrene having phenylseleno groups at both ends as polymeric photoiniferter in the presence of MMA or p-chloromethylstyrene afforded effectively corresponding to the ABA type triblock copolymers. On the other hand, photopolymerization of p-methylstyrene with ABA type triblock copolymer of styrene and p-chloromethylstyrene as polymeric photoiniferter afforded to multiblock copolymer of styrene and p-substituted styrenes.     

烷基硫醇诱发苯乙烯马来酸酐共聚合的研究

<正> 硫醇由其上S—H弱键易遭受自由基进攻而用作调聚剂是熟知的。硫醇作为氧化-还原体系的一个组成促进丁苯乳液聚合也有报道,但单独硫醇,在相当于引发剂的用量范围内及常温条件下,诱发烯类单体或CTC(电荷转移络合物)型单体对的共聚报道极少。我们发现了微量硫醇在常温下对苯乙烯(St)、马来酸酐(MAn)共聚的催化效应,并     

Determination of chain transfer constant to dodecanethiol in styrene/methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymerization and effect of chain length on composition and stereochemical configuration of copolymers

Free radical copolymerization of styrene/methyl methacrylate (S/MMA) and butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate (BA/MMA) in the presence of n-dodecanthiol (DDT) has been studied at 60°C in a 3 mol/L benzene solution using 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as initiator. Overall chain transfer constant to DDT has been determined for both copolymerization systems, as a function of monomer feed composition using complete molecular weight distribution and the Mayo method. Overall transfer coefficients have values which are dependent on both monomer feed composition and individual comonomer transfer values. Composition, sequence distribution, and stereoregularity of copolymers obtained are, in our experimental conditions, independent of copolymer molecular weight. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2913–2925, 1998     

Investigation of the thermal degradation and stability of copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid and methyl methacrylate

Copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid (AMPS) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared. Thermal behaviour was studied by TG and DTG methods. Incorporation of more comonomer units, at various compositions, results in a copolymer more stable than the AMPS homopolymer. Decomposition of the copolymers involves the formation of anhydrides, the majority of which involve six-membered cyclic anhydride rings. Further heating results in the formation of a highly aromatic char at the higher temperatures. The apparent activation energies of decomposition of the homo- and copolymers were established.     

Photopolymerizations initiated by oxime derivatives

A number of ester, urethane, and carbonate derivatives of biacetyl monooxime, dimethylglyoxime, and ketone oxime, were synthesized and their photolyses studied by means of ultraviolet spectroscopy. Most of the oxime derivatives photolyzed easily upon UV irradiation. Among them, however, only the free radicals formed by photolysis from the ester and carbonate of biacetyl monooxime could effectively initiate the polymerization of a vinyl monomer such as methyl methacrylate. Based on the results obtained from the monomeric reactions, syntheses of grafting polymers were made. Graft polymers were obtained by using a copolymer of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid–biacetyl monooxime ester (copolymer I) and that of methyl methacrylate and vinyl benzioc acid–biacetyl monooxime ester (copolymer II) in good yield and without the formation of homopolymer. It was also found that when copolymer I was employed as a grafting polymer, a considerable amount of main-chain scission was seen, but no chain degradation was noted in the case of copolymer II. Photocrosslinking was attempted by using these copolymers in the presence of divinyl benzene. It was confirmed that copolymer II was photocrosslinkable, whereas copolymer I underwent photodegradation.     

Nitroxide‐mediated radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate controlled with a minimal amount of 9‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐9H‐carbazole

The controlled nitroxide‐mediated homopolymerization of 9‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐9H‐carbazole (VBK) and the copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with varying amounts of VBK were accomplished by using 10 mol % {tert‐butyl[1‐(diethoxyphosphoryl)‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl]amino} nitroxide relative to 2‐({tert‐butyl[1‐(diethoxyphosphoryl)‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl]amino}oxy)‐2‐methylpropionic acid (BlocBuilder?) in dimethylformamide at temperatures from 80 to 125 °C. As little as 1 mol % of VBK in the feed was required to obtain a controlled copolymerization of an MMA/VBK mixture, resulting in a linear increase in molecular weight versus conversion with a narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w /M_n ≈ 1.3). Preferential incorporation of VBK into the copolymer was indicated by the MMA/VBK reactivity ratios determined: r_VBK = 2.7 ± 1.5 and r_MMA = 0.24 ± 0.14. The copolymers were found significantly “living” by performing subsequent chain extensions with a fresh batch of VBK and by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy analysis. VBK was found to be an effective controlling comonomer for NMP of MMA, and such low levels of VBK comonomer ensured transparency in the final copolymer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Grafting to Vinylpyrrolidone Polymers and Copolymers by the Ceric lon Method

Polymers and copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone were investigated as grafting substrates for methyl methacrylate using the ceric ion method. Ceric ion readily initiates methyl methacrylate grafting to commercial poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) of 360,000 nominal molecular weight. The resulting graft copolymer was surprisingly found to be an ABA triblock system with PVP in the center block. This conclusion is supported by three key pieces of evidence: first, selective degradation of the PVP/MMA graft copolymer showed two PMMA grafts per PVP chain: second, blocking of what are apparently hydroxylic or glycolic PVP end groups by reaction with phenyl isocyanate rendered the PVP unreactive to ceric ion grafting; third, if the PVP is prepared by methods which preclude formation of hydroxylic end groups, the PVP is unreactive to ceric ion grafting.

Vinylpyrrolidone polymers can be made graftable via ceric ion if N-methacryloyl-D-glucosamine (NMAG) is incorporated as a comonomer in the PVP backbone. Regardless of the method of preparation, incorporation of NMAG provides grafting sites which are highly reactive to ceric ion. At copolymer compositions up to 10 mole % NMAG, the methyl methacrylate graft copolymers are soluble in organic solvents. Above 10 mole % NMAG, the grafting reaction leads to cross-linking and formation of intractable gels.