Which are the mechanisms governing in cationic emulsion polymerization?

The cationic emulsion polymerization of styrene in a batch reactor using different concentrations of dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and hexadecyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (HDTAB) as cationic surfactants, and 2,2′-azobisisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AIBA), and 2,2′-azobis (N,N′-dimethyleneisobutyramidine) dihydrochloride (ADIBA) as cationic initiators has been studied. In the preliminary study, the best conditions to obtain stable cationic latexes at high conversions were identified. When the surfactant concentration was above its cmc, latexes with high conversions were achieved for the two cationic surfactants studied (DTAB and HDTAB). Cationic latexes with less coagulum were obtained using ADIBA as cationic initiator due to its superior resistance to hydrolysis. AIBA is hydrolyzed to amide at basic pHs and in this way, the concentration of radicals formed in the aqueous phase decreases. On the other hand, a stronger effect of the particle size on the kinetics of the cationic emulsion polymerization of styrene using HDTAB as cationic surfactant was observed than using DTAB. Furthermore, different kinetic behaviors were observed with the two cationic initiators (ADIBA and AIBA) using HDTAB as cationic surfactant, due to the lower stabilizing effect of the cationic radicals provided by AIBA.     

Semicontinuous seeded cationic emulsion polymerization of styrene: The effects of the concentration and type of cationic surfactant

The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of the concentration and type of cationic surfactant on the kinetic features (instantaneous and overall conversions) and colloidal characteristics [mean particle diameter, particle size distribution (PSD), and surface charge density] in the semicontinuous seeded cationic emulsion polymerization of styrene. 2,2′‐Azobis(N,N′‐dimethyleneisobutyramidine)dihydrochloride was used as an initiator. The surfactants were dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTAB). So that the evolution of some polymeric and colloidal characteristics of the synthesized latices could be followed, the overall and instantaneous conversions were defined and determined gravimetrically. The PSDs and average particle diameters were determined by transmission electron microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. The surface charge density was determined by conductimetric titration. The evolution of the instantaneous conversions, the total number of particles, and the PSDs of the different reactions were related to the nucleation, growth, and coagulation processes taking place in the semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerizations. The PSDs obtained from the reactions carried out with the emulsifier DTAB, at a concentration equal to its critical micelle concentration (cmc) and at a concentration twice its cmc, presented more and smaller particles than those obtained by the addition of HDTAB to the polymerization recipe. At lower emulsifier concentrations equal to half of the cmc, the system had lower colloidal stability with DTAB. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2322–2334, 2003     

Redox initiator systems for emulsion polymerization of acrylates

The performance of different redox initiator couples to initiate the emulsion polymerization of butyl acrylate at low temperature (40–50 °C) was investigated in both batch and seeded semibatch polymerizations. Polymerizations were carried out mimicking industrial conditions, that is, technical grade monomer and no N₂ purging was used during the polymerizations. The redox systems used contained as oxidants persulfates or hydroperoxides and as reducing agents ascorbic acid, formaldehyde sulfoxilate (SFS), tetramethyl ethylene diamine (TMEDA), Bruggolit 6 and 7 (FF6 and FF7), and sodium metabisulfites. Batch experiments showed that for systems using persulfates, the ammonium persulfate (APS)/TMEDA system provided the lower induction period and higher conversion, whereas for the systems with hydroperoxide oxidants, tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)/FF7, TBHP/SFS, and H₂O₂/FF7 were the best alternatives. When these selected systems were used in seeded semibatch experiments of BA with allyl methacrylate, it was found that to obtain similar kinetics and microstructure (gel content and crosslinking density) than in case of using a thermal initiator at 80 °C, the polymerization could be run at 40 °C if the reactor was purged with N₂. Alternatively, in absence of N₂ polymerization, temperature should be increased to 50 °C and initiator concentration increased. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2917–2927, 2009     

Monosized cationic nanoparticles prepared by emulsifer-free emulsion polymerization

Monosized poly(styrene/N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide/poly(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether methacrylate) [poly(St/PEG-EEM/DMAPM)] cationic nanoparticles were synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization conducted in the presence of a cationic initiator, 2,2-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (APDH or V-50). Particle sizes and surface charge densities were measured with a Zeta Sizer. The structure of the terpolymers was determined by Fourier transform IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies. The amounts of the main monomer (St), cationic comonomer (DMAPM), stabilizer (PEG-EEM), and initiator (APDH), and the water-to-monomer phase ratio were all effective on both the average size and the surface charge of the nanoparicles. The average particle size was in the range 75–400 nm depending on the recipe applied; it decreased on increasing the amount of DMAP or PEG-EEM or the water-to-monomer phase ratio in the feed, while it increased with increasing St or APDH content. These nanoparticles were quite monodisperse with a polydispersity index of 1.008–1.14.     

Photopolymerization of hybrid monomers: Part I: Comparison of the performance of selected photoinitiators in cationic and free-radical polymerization of hybrid monomers

Photopolymerization of the hybrid monomers: 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl methacrylate (Cyclomer M100) and 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate (VEEA) was studied by Fluorescence Probe Technique (FPT). Kinetics of cationic and free-radical photopolymerization of the hybrid monomers in the presence of the same molar concentration of various photoinitiators was compared, using UV LEDs as the curing light source. The performance of the following photoinitiators was tested in the cationic photopolymerization: Sylanto 7M-S, Sylanto 7M-P, Speedcure 938, Irgacure 250, HIP, Esacure 1187, and the following photoinitiators were used to induce free radical photopolymerization: Irgacure 184, Irgacure 127, Irgacure 651, Irgacure 907, Irgacure 819 and Speedcure TPO. It was found that, among the cationic photoinitiators, Sylanto 7M-S and Sylanto 7M-P are the most effective photoinitiators of the cationic polymerization for use with 320 nm and 365 nm UV LEDs, while Irgacure 819 and Speedcure TPO perform best in free radical photopolymerization of the hybrid monomers. Some structural factors and parameters affecting the photoinitiators performance are discussed.     

Photoinitiated cationic polymerization of epoxy alcohol monomers

A series of epoxy alcohols were prepared by simple, straightforward methods. These compounds were very reactive monomers that polymerized rapidly on UV irradiation in the presence of cationic photoinitiators. The kinetics of the cationic photopolymerization of these monomers were studied with diaryliodonium salt photoinitiators and real‐time IR spectroscopy. The rate of epoxide ring‐opening polymerization was enhanced markedly by the presence of the hydroxy group. Using model compounds, the monomers were shown to polymerize via an activated monomer mechanism. Simple epoxy alcohols polymerized to give polymers with a hyperbranched structure. The novel monomers also were observed to accelerate the rate of the photopolymerization of mono‐ and multifunctional epoxides. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 389–401, 2000     

Synthesis of saccharidic polymer colloids via free radical mini‐emulsion polymerization

Polymer colloids based on 3‐O‐methacryloyl‐1,2:5,6‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D ‐glucofuranose (3‐MDG) and butyl acrylate (BA) were prepared via free radical mini‐emulsion polymerization. The kinetic and colloidal features of the copolymerization were investigated. The final particle size (D) of the sugar latexes is inversely proportional to the concentration of the anionic emulsifier (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) and the non‐ionic one (alkyl polyglucoside, APG). It was also found that D is independent of the concentration of either the water‐soluble initiator (potassium persulfate, KPS), or the oil‐soluble initiator (2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile, AIBN). The rate of mini‐emulsion polymerization is lower in comparison with the conventional emulsion polymerization under the same conditions. The polymerization rate (R_p) and the total number of particles (N_p) are proportional to the 0.72th and 0.93th power of the SDS, and to the 1.40th and 2.22th of the APG concentration. Following reaction orders, 0.79/0.06 were obtained for R_p/N_p versus the concentration of KPS, and 0.22/?0.01 for AIBN, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of cationic core-shell latex particles

Surfactant-free seeded (core-shell) polymerization of cationic polymer colloids is presented. Polystyrene core particles with sizes between 200 nm and 500 nm were synthesized. The number average diameter of the colloidal core particles increased with increasing monomer concentration. Cationic shells were introduced by co-polymerizing styrene with the cationic monomers (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride (VBTMAC), [(2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (METMAC) and [(2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (AETMAC) onto the polystyrene cores. The cationic monomer AETMAC, undocumented to our knowledge in colloid synthesis, produced the best cationic shells and could be incorporated at much higher concentrations in the shell compared to the commonly used VBTMAC and METMAC, which yielded undesired polyelectrolyte side products already at relatively low cationic monomer concentrations. In shell formation, feed concentrations of AETMAC between 1.3 mol% (2.4 wt%) and 10.7 mol% (20 wt%) in styrene could be employed, allowing us to control colloid surface charge density over a wide range. The influence of various polymerization parameters (initiator concentration, cross-linking agent, and ionic strength) on the co-polymerization process with AETMAC is discussed. Core-shell particles were characterized using HR-SEM, potentiometric titration and zeta potential measurements.     

The effect of Co(II)‐mediated catalytic chain transfer on the emulsion polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate

The effect the catalytic chain transfer agent, bis[(difluoroboryl) dimethylglyoximato] cobalt(II) (COBF), on the course of the ab initio emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, and the product properties in terms of the molecular weight distribution were investigated. The emulsion polymerization kinetics have been studied with varying surfactant, initiator, and COBF concentrations. The experimentally determined average number of radicals per particle strongly depends on the concentration of COBF and proves to be in good agreement with the results of model calculations. The apparent chain transfer constant, determined up to high conversion, is in excellent agreement with the predicted value based on a mathematical model based on COBF partitioning and the Mayo equation. The results of this work enhance the fundamental understanding of the influence a catalytic chain transfer agent has on the course of the emulsion polymerization and the control of the molecular weight distribution. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 5078–5089, 2009     

Kinetics of the batch cationic emulsion polymerization of styrene: A comparative study with the anionic case

An in‐depth study on the kinetics of the cationic emulsion polymerization of styrene in a batch reactor is presented. This study is focused on the effect of the amount of the cationic surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), using two different cationic initiators: 2,2′‐azobisisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AIBA), 2,2′‐azobis (N,N′‐dimethyleneisobutyramidine) dihydrochloride (ADIBA), on kinetics and colloidal features such as conversion, number of particles, number average of radicals per particle, mean particle diameter, and particle size distribution (PSD) of the polystyrene latices obtained by emulsion polymerization in a batch reactor. Furthermore, the results of the cationic emulsion polymerization were compared with its homologous anionic case. Using DTAB as cationic surfactant an expected increase in the total rate of polymerization was observed when the DTAB concentration increased. However, the total number of particles increased much more than in the anionic system. On the other hand, a dependence on the particle size of the rate of polymerization per particle together with the average number of radicals per particle was found. These differences between cationic and anionic emulsion polymerizations were explained taking into account the limited particle coagulation observed with cationic surfactants, and the high rate of radical formation of cationic initiators. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4461–4478, 2006     

Average termination rate coefficients in emulsion polymerization: Effect of compartmentalization on free‐radical lifetimes

A method is presented by which the time‐dependent average termination rate coefficient in an emulsion polymerization may be calculated as an appropriate average of the chain‐length‐dependent termination rate coefficients. The method takes advantage of the fact that the overall termination rate is dominated by terminations between rapidly moving short radicals and much slower long ones. This termination rate coefficient is suitable for use in the Smith–Ewart equations describing the compartmentalization of radicals in an emulsion polymerization. Rate data in emulsion polymerizations can be quantitatively interpreted if the kinetics fall into one of two categories: zero–one (showing compartmentalization; intraparticle termination is not rate‐determining) or pseudo‐bulk (no compartmentalization; intraparticle termination is rate‐determining). The new method can be used to interpret rate data for systems falling between these categories and also can be used to find termination rate coefficients from Monte Carlo simulations of termination kinetics. The latter is especially useful for predicting and understanding kinetics in controlled radical polymerizations in disperse media. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1076–1089, 2005     

The synthesis and cationic polymerization behavior of ambifunctional monomers

The synthesis of a novel series of ambifunctional monomers containing cationically polymerizable vinyl and 1-propenyl ether or 1-butenyl ether groups in the same molecule has been carried out. Studies of the onium salt-induced photopolymerizations of these monomers indicate that both functional groups are highly reactive and that they undergo extensive copolymerization. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Mechanism of emulsion polymerization of styrene using a reactive surfactant

The emulsion polymerization of styrene using the reactive surfactant sodium dodecyl allyl sulfosuccinate (TREM LF‐40) was studied. The polymerization kinetics were found to be unusual in that R_p was not directly proportional to N_p (R_p ∝ N_p^0.67). Several reasons are stated to explain the unusual kinetics, including chain transfer to TREM LF‐40, copolymerization of styrene with TREM LF‐40, and the influence of the homopolymer of TREM LF‐40 [poly(TREM)] and/or the copolymer [poly(TREM‐co‐styrene)] on the entry and exit rates of free radicals. The possibility of both chain transfer and copolymerization exists primarily at the oil/water interface, whereas both can also occur in the aqueous and monomer phases. Bulk polymerizations of styrene in the presence of TREM LF‐40 and poly(TREM) were conducted, and the results show that the reaction rate decreased for the styrene/TREM LF‐40 system. Latex characterization by serum replacement and titration measurements provided evidence for the chemical bonding of TREM LF‐40 to the polymer particles. The fraction of chemically bound reactive surfactant decreased with increasing surfactant concentration and increased with increasing initiator concentration. Relatively high contact angles of water on films cast from the latexes showed that TREM LF‐40 did not migrate significantly to the surface of the film, which was consistent with the latex‐surface characterization results. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 39: 3093–3105, 2001     

Kinetics of styrene emulsion polymerization in the presence of montmorillonite

The effect of the pristine sodium montmorillonite (Na⁺-MMT) on the styrene emulsion polymerizations with different concentrations of SDS ([SDS]) was investigated. At constant [SDS], the polymerization rate is faster for the run with 1 wt.% Na⁺-MMT compared to the counterpart without Na⁺-MMT. Micelle nucleation predominates in the polymerizations with [SDS] ≧ 13 mM. On the other hand, the contribution of the polymerization associated with the Na⁺-MMT platelets increases significantly when [SDS] decreases from 13 to 9 mM. At [SDS] (e.g., 2 mM) < CMC, homogeneous nucleation controls the particle formation process and polymerization kinetics. Moreover, the contribution of the Na⁺-MMT platelets that act as extra reaction loci to the polymerization kinetics is even comparable to the run in the absence of Na⁺-MMT. The resultant polymer particle size, polymer molecular weight and zeta potential were characterized and a preliminary model was developed to qualitatively study the differences between the polymerizations in the presence and absence of 1 wt.% Na⁺-MMT.     

Photo-induced Living Cationic Copolymerization of Isobutyl Vinyl Ether and Vinyl Ether with Carbazolyl Groups

In this work, a fluorescent monomer 2-（9-carbazolyl） ethyl vinyl ether（CEVE） was synthesized in our lab, and its photo-induced living cationic copolymerization behavior with isobutyl vinyl ether（IBVE） was investigated in detail using diphenyliodonium chloride（DPICl）/2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone（DMPA） and zinc bromide（Zn Br2） initiating system in dichloromethane solution at 5 °C, -5 °C, and -15 °C, respectively. The living nature of this copolymerization system was confirmed by adding fresh comonomer method after the copolymerization almost finished. In addition, the obtained fluorescent copolymer poly（IBVE-co-CEVE） has a low glass transition temperature（Tg）, below -10 °C.     

Arenesulfonyl iodides: The third universal class of functional initiators for the metal‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of methacrylates and styrenes

The metal‐catalyzed living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene initiated with freshly prepared p‐toluenesulfonyl iodide (TsI) and catalyzed with CuX/2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), where X is Cl, Br, or I, and various self‐regulated copper‐based catalytic systems, such as copper/bpy, copper(I) oxide/bpy, copper(I) sulfide/bpy, copper(I) selenide/bpy, and copper(I) telluride/bpy, is reported. The exchange of C? I into C? Br and C? Cl takes place when the living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate is catalyzed by copper(I) bromide/bpy and copper(I) chloride/bpy, respectively. Therefore, the use of the TsI initiator facilitates the synthesis, starting from a single initiator, of poly(methyl methacrylate) containing C? I, C? Br, and C? Cl chain ends. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3920–3931, 2005     

Synthesis of cationic polyacrylamide via inverse emulsion polymerization method for the application in water treatment

In order to improve the flocculent efficiency of wastewater treatment, a cationic flocculant poly (acrylamide-[2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride) (P (AM-DMC)) (CPAM) has been synthesized successfully via an inverse emulsion polymerization. Acrylamide (AM) and [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC) were served as monomers. The molecular structure of CPAM was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum (¹H-NMR). The morphology of CPAM particles has been investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results showed that CPAM was the copolymer of AM and DMC and the particles of CPAM were uniform spheres (the size was about 200?nm). The synthetic conditions of CPAM have been studied and optimized by single-factor experiments. An optimized product was obtained at an intrinsic viscosity of 560?mL/g with a total monomer concentration of 25% and initiator concentration V50 of 0.2% (based on the total monomer mass). The amount of emulsion was 6% and the HLB (Hydrophile-Lipophile-Balance) of emulsion was 7.3. In addition, the flocculation property of CPAM was evaluated with kaolin suspension using jar test, and the result demonstrated that the flocculation property of CPAM performed better than kaolin flocculation.     

New antibacterial cationic surfactants prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization

Efficient antibacterial surfactants have been prepared by the quaternization of the amino groups of poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate] (PEB‐b‐PDMAEMA) diblock copolymers by octyl bromide. The diblock copolymers have been synthesized by ATRP of 2‐(dimethylamino)ethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) initiated by an activated bromide‐end‐capped poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene). In the presence of CuBr, 1,4,7,10,10‐hexamethyl‐triethylenetetramine (HMTETA), and toluene at 50 °C, the initiation is slow in comparison with propagation. This situation has been improved by the substitution of CuCl for CuBr, all the other conditions being the same. Finally, the addition of an excess of CuCl₂ (deactivator) to the CuCl/HMTETA catalyst is very beneficial in making the agreement between the theoretical and experimental number‐average molecular weights excellent. The antibacterial activity of PEB‐b‐PDMAEMA quaternized by octyl bromide has been assessed against bacteria and is comparable to the activity of a commonly used disinfectant, that is, benzalkonium chloride. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1214‐1224, 2006     

Formulation and polymerization of microemulsions containing a mixture of cationic and anionic monomers

A series of polyampholytes of sodium-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate (NaAMPS) and 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (MADQUAT) has been synthesized by free radical polymerization in microemulsions. The optimization of the formulation was, by a selection procedure, based on the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of the nonionic surfactants and solubility parameters of the different components. Both ionomers play an important role in the formulation owing to their amphiphilic and electrolyte characters as confirmed by surface tension and turbidimetry experiments. These effects control the HLB and interfacial properties of the microemulsions. The results are semi-quantitatively interpreted from the cohesive energy ratio (CER) concept. The reaction products are stable inverse latexes consisting of high molecular weight copolymers entrapped in water droplets particles and dispersed in an isoparaffinic oil.