Solid matrix polymerization and stereoisomeric complexes of poly(methyl methacrylate)

The polymerization of methyl methacrylate within solid matrices of stereoregular poly(methyl methacrylate) has been studied by proton NMR and wide angle X-ray diffraction. The semi-crystalline isotactic (i-) PMMA matrix was synthesized in the laboratory by anionic polymerization initiated by phenylmagnesium bromide, and the syndiotactic (s-) PMMA matrix was synthesized through a Ziegler–Natta reaction. Matrix polymerization of the monomer was initiated through the redox activation of benzoyl peroxide with N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine. NMR measurements of triad distributions in matrix-polymerized chains suggest that the well-known stereospecific replica polymerization in PMMA (syndiotactic sequences promote isotactic sequences and vice versa) plays only a limited role in the systems studied. Experimental results indicate that chains grown within the i-PMMA or s-PMMA solid matrices have greater degrees of configurational disorder. The greater concentration of atactic triads in these chains could be the result of limited free volume or steric effects during polymerization in a highly condensed environment. X-ray diffraction studies of solution cast blends of isotactic PMMA and PMMA with conventional tacticity reveal some crystallinity with a structure characteristic of the stereocomplex formed by isotactic and syndiotactic PMMA from suitable solvents. Evidence was obtained for the presence of this complex in solidified mixtures of the i-PMMA solid matrix and liquid monomer. This observation is an example of special intermolecular structures that can form under conditions of in situ growth of chains within a pre-polymerized matrix.     

Organosoluble complexes of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polysilicic acid

It has been found that, in benzene solutions of PMMA under certain conditions, the polycondensation of silicic acid prepared via the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane is accompanied by the formation of soluble products that are complexes of polysilicic acid nanoparticles and PMMA. Polysilicic acid formed under macromolecular template control is characterized by an increased content of silanol groups. Complex particles are spherical in shape, and their diameters are in the range from 20 to 50 nm.     

Transient species in pulse-irradiated poly(methyl methacrylate) pure and doped with pyrene

The spectra of transients produced in pulse-irradiated pure poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, at room and ∼ 130 K temperatures were measured. The intermediates were identified as PMMA radicals and radical anions. In the pulse-irradiated PMMA–pyrene (Py) system the solute excited states and radical ions were produced. Scavenging of negative charges by Py was directly observed at 130 K in a µs time scale. Py fluorescence was found to be produced mainly as a result of Čerenkov photoexcitation. At room temperature, some contribution of ionic mechanism to Py fluorescence formation was found. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Effective dispersion of fullerene with methacrylate copolymer in organic solvent and poly(methyl methacrylate)

Dispersion of fullerene, C₆₀, by addition of polymethacrylate dispersant in methyl methacrylate (MMA) and incorporation of C₆₀ into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were investigated. Copolymers synthesized by radical copolymerization of MMA and 2-naphthyl methacrylate (NMA), poly(MMA-co-NMA), effectively dispersed C₆₀ in MMA to form clusters of 20?nm. In these cases, addition of minimal 110 naphthyl groups per unit C₆₀ molecule afforded to give clusters with minimum of 20?nm sizes. Furthermore, block copolymers, poly(MMA-b-NMA) with MMA/NMA mole ratio from 12:1 to 20:1, also efficiently dispersed C₆₀ to give formation of clusters of 20?nm size by addition of minimal 40 naphthyl groups per unit C₆₀ molecule, which was corresponding to approximate nine layers of naphthyl group in block copolymer adsorbed on the surface of the cluster. Hybrid films of C₆₀/PMMA, prepared by casting of C₆₀-dispersed solution containing PMMA, exhibited absorbance at 400?nm linearly increased with C₆₀ content.     

Photodegradation of poly(methyl methacrylate)

The vacuum photodegradation at 30°C. of poly(methyl methacrylate) and copolymers with acrylaldehyde, methacrylaldehyde, and methyl acrylate has been studied. The polymers were examined in the form of expanded films as produced by a freeze-drying technique. At least one molecule of carbon monoxide is evolved for each chain scission. It is concluded that chain scission in poly(methyl methacrylate) is primarily the result of photoinduced aldehyde groups.     

Radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate)

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) was polymerized by radical initiation at 25°C in DMF in the presence of preformed isotactic PMMA (iMA) with about 90% isotactic triads and different M?_v's, viz., iMA-1: 7.2 × 10⁵; iMA-2, 5.0 × 10⁵; iMA-3, 3.5 × 10⁵; iMA-4, 1.25 × 10⁵; and iMA-5, 1.15 × 10⁵. The MMA:iMA ratio was 6:1. The collected polymers were separated into two fractions by extraction with boiling acetone and characterized by 60 MHz NMR. It is found that the M?_v of the polymer formed ran parallel to the M?_v of iMA. In all cases syndiotactic PMMA (s-PMMA) was produced which associated with the isotactic substrate to form acetone-insoluble stereocomplexes. The syndiotactic polymers probably consist of long syndiotactic and heterotactic sequences. The syndiotacticity decreased with conversion and was generally highest in the presence of iMA-1. With iMA-1 even the formation of some additional i-PMMA (in the acetone-insolubles) was indicated, especially in the later stages of the polymerization. Characterization of the acetone-soluble fractions indicated that i,s-stereoblock polymers were also produced, of which the persistence ratios ρ increased with the M?_v of iMA. From these results it is concluded that this reaction differs from the conventional radical polymerization and can be considered a stereospecific replica polymerization, the driving force being the strong tendency of i- and s-PMMA to associate. The formation of i,s-stereoblock polymers and additional i-PMMA indicates that s-PMMA in its turn can also act as a polymer matrix.     

Radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of low-molecular-weight poly(methyl methacrylate)

The kinetics of the bulk radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate and the structure and properties (physicomechanical and thermomechanical, as well as diffusion and sorption) of the polymers were examined in relation to the amount of low-molecular-weight poly(methyl methacrylate) added.     

Methanol-induced opacity in poly (methyl methacrylate)

Methanol-induced opacity in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is investigated subject to two cooling processes; furnace cooling and air cooling. The glass transition temperature of PMMA decreases with increasing time of exposure to methanol at 40–60°C and then increases during cooling, due to progressive desorption. Voids form during cooling as long as specimen temperature remains above its glass transition temperature. Since furnace cooling affords enough time for holes to expand larger than the light wavelengths, the transmittance of furnace-cooled PMMA is independent of wavelength. The transmittance of PMMA subjected to rapid cooling in the air is wavelength dependent due to scattering by holes smaller than light wavelengths. The transmittance of PMMA bearing a given weight gain of methanol (measured at absorption temperature) prior to cooling for furance cooling is lower than that for the same material subjected to air cooling. A sharp front between outer and inner regions is found in specimens removed quickly from the thermostated water bath to air at ambient temperature.     

A viscometric study of poly(methyl methacrylate) in 2-alkoxyethanols

θ-Conditions, the temperature coefficient of unperturbed dimensions of the macromolecules and the thermodynamic interaction parameters ψ and κ were determined for solutions of poly(methyl methacrylate) in 2-alkoxyethanols (methoxy, ethoxy and butoxy). The results for this series of solvents fit the data reported for other solvents and dln $\text{r}{}_0{}^2\text{/}\text{d}\text{T = 2.6 × 10}{}^{\mathrm{?3}}\text{K}{}^{\mathrm{?1}}$. The dependence of parameters ψ and κ exhibited deviations from the theoretical dependence, mainly near the limiting value ψ = 0.5.     

Infrared spectroscopic study of thermal transitions in poly(methyl methacrylate)

The ester CD₃ stretching modes in a partially deuterated poly(methyl methacrylate) sample have been studied as a function of temperature and bands in the CD stretching region assigned to fundamentals in Fermi resonance with overtone/combination modes. Changes in band parameters (widths, shapes) are observed at specific temperatures. Time correlation functions and their variation with temperature were calculated for the most intense modes observed in this region of the spectrum. The correlation functions were modeled by assuming that there is a fast relaxation process characterized by a single relaxation time that is inhomogeneously broadened by a slower process, also characterized by a single relaxation time. The fast modulation is in the sub picosecond time range, while the slower process has a relaxation time of the order of 1-10 ps. Relaxation times and other parameters are sensitive to transitions observed both below and above the glass transition, as well as at the T_g itself. The high temperature transition corresponds to a liquid-liquid transition observed in other studies and predicted by theory. The lower temperature transition appears to correspond to the Vogel-Fulcher or Kauzmann temperature. Infrared spectroscopy and band shape analysis appear to be a useful probe of these transitions.     

Connection of poly(methyl methacrylate) microgel particles dispersed in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix by seed polymerization

Poly(methyl methacrylate) microgels covered with poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) thin layer was dispersed in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix. Homogeneous and regular arrangement of the microgel particles was suggested by Bragg diffraction for the films prepared by varying the PVA/microgel ratio (from 6/4 to 3/7 (w/w)). It was proved that the regular arrangement and connection of the microgels by seeded polymerization in poly(vinyl alcohol) were possible. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Electron-beam charging of poly(methyl methacrylate)

The charging of bulk poly(methyl methacrylate) by irradiation with electrons of 2 MeV energy at room temperature in vacuum was studied. The experimental data obtained using the split Faraday cup are compared with the results of numerical simulation assuming one-dimensional geometry with allowance for the spatial distribution of dose rate and injected-electron current, nonlinear properties of radiation-induced conductivity in the prebreakdown electric-field region, and the intrinsic conductivity of poly(methyl methacrylate). It was shown that published data on the electric field strength measured by means of the electro-optical Kerr effect in electron-beam charged poly(methyl methacrylate) agree satisfactorily with the calculation results.__________Translated from Khimiya Vysokikh Energii, Vol. 39, No. 3, 2005, pp. 183–189.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Sadovnichii, Tuytnev, Milekhin.     

Synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) macromonomer

Anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or THF/toluene mixture at ?78°C initiated by triphenylmethyl sodium or lithium as initiators. Highly syndiotactic PMMA of low polydispersity (M _w/m _n = 1.11–1.17) could be prepared with triphenylmethyl lithium in THF or THF/toluene mixture at ? 78°C. Moreover, PMMA macromonomer having one vinylbenzyl group per polymer chain was prepared by the couplings of living PMMA initiated by triphenylmethyl lithium with p-chloromethyl styrene (CMS) at ?78°C. The coupling reaction of living PMMA initiated by triphenylmethyl sodium with CMS was scarcely occurred.     

Thermoluminescence of irradiated poly(methyl methacrylate)

Thermoluminescence of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) irradiated with x rays, has been studied in the temperature range 100 to 460°K. Two glow peaks with maxima at 136 and 368°K have been observed. These are analyzed by three methods and the results are compared. Both curves obey second order kinetics and correspond to activation energies of 0.17 and 0.88 eV, respectively. It is possible to identify the centers responsible for the two peaks by correlation with electron spin resonance and optical data obtained for the same samples irradiated under the same conditions. Spectral studies of the emission show that the low temperature peak has its maximum at 365 nm while the high temperature peak has its maximum at 480 nm.     

Branching of anionic poly(methyl methacrylate)

A viscometric determination of the degree of branching γ, of poly(methyl methacrylate) obtained by anionic polymerization proved the reaction of the growing center of poly(methyl methacrylate) with the ester group of another polymer molecule, accompanied by the formation of a trifunctional branch point. This reaction occurs if the solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate is initiated: (1) with butyllithium at ?78°C only on attaining 100% conversion and after a long time or at +20°C immediately after the polymerization has set in; (2) with lithium tert-butoxide at +20°C after a long time. The degree of branching of poly(methyl methacrylates) obtained under similar conditions in the presence of tetrahydrofuran reaches higher values than for polymers prepared in toluene. The tacticity of polymers does not affect the experimentally determined γ values.     

Influence of aggregation on the phosphorescence of iridium complex in poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix

In this study, novel phosphorescent compound of iridium(III)bis(2,3‐diphenylquinoxaline)2‐(benzoimidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine (IrQB) was prepared and the emission study suggests the solid form of IrQB has less phosphorescence intensity than its solution in tetrahydrofuran (THF). To avoid the potential aggregation of IrQB in the concentrated state, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was intentionally added as isolator to make solutions of different concentrations in THF and then solid films of IrQB/PMMA of different compositions after THF removal. Films of IrQB/PMMA prepared from dilute solutions exhibit two emission bands centered at 540 and 640 nm, respectively, which is in contrast to the sole 640‐nm emission band observed for films prepared from semidilute solutions. The 540‐ and 640‐nm bands show progressive variations of the intensity with temperature. Emission band at 540 nm is derived from the polarized optical microscope and is attributed to the IrQB aggregates, whose life‐time indicates it is phosphorescent in nature. This aggregate formation is strongly affected by the applied concentrations of IrQB and PMMA in the preparative solution state. Model to postulate the mechanism of aggregate formation in the solution and the derived film states is thereby presented in this study. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 631–639, 2008     

Dynamics of adsorbed poly(methyl acrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate) on silica

Deuterium NMR and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) were used to probe the behavior of ultrathin adsorbed poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA). The spectra for the bulk methyl-labeled PMA-d₃ were consistent with the motions of the polymer segments being spatially homogeneous. For the polymers adsorbed on silica, multicomponent line shapes were observed. The segmental mobility of the surface polymers increased with increased adsorbed amounts. In contrast to the behavior of the polymers in bulk, the adsorbed lower-molecular-mass PMA-d₃ was less mobile than the adsorbed high-molecular-mass polymer. The presence of a polymer overlayer was sufficient to suppress the enhanced mobility of the more-mobile segments of the adsorbed (inner) polymer. MDSC studies on adsorbed poly(methyl methacrylate) showed that the glass-transition temperature of the thin polymer films increased and broadened compared to the behavior of the polymer in bulk. The presence of a motional gradient with the less-mobile segments near the solid-polymer interface and the more-mobile segments near the polymer-air interface was consistent with the experimental observations.     

The effect of light on the electrical conduction of pure and doped poly(methyl methacrylate)

Thin films of pure and doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with thicknesses ranging from 0·1 to 0·2 mm were prepared by the casting method. The effect of light on the electrical conduction of these films was studied using a specially designed electrical cell. The results showed that the resistivity of PMMA decreases gradually with increasing exposure time and the effect was found to be reversible. The doped samples showed more stability against the light effect. The current-voltage (I–V) characteristics indicated that the mechanism of conduction of PMMA depends on the presence of localized states or trapping levels arising from lack of order. Some physical parameters such as fermi energy, E_f, trap energy, E_t, density of charge carriers, n₀, ion mobility, μ, as well as the electrical conductivity of the test samples were calculated.