Core-shell emulsion copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile on polystyrene seed particles

Seeded emulsion copolymerization of an azeotropic composition of styrene (St) and an acrylinitrile (AN) comonomer mixture in polystyrene (PS) seed at different polymerization temperature of 55–75°C were investigated. The kinetic data showed a transition temperature at 65°C, above which the activation energy of polymerization is low, 6.1 Kcal/mol, compared with 9.8 Kcal/mol below it. The particle-size results and thin layer chromatographic (TLC) data showed two types of particle of different composition and morphology in the final latex system: a smaller size of (St–AN) copolymer and a larger size of core-PS and (St–AN) copolymer shell, with a zone of PS grafted (St–AN) copolymer in between. Various polymerization parameters, that is emulsifier concentration, type of seed particle and its size, and monomer/polymer ratio, were studied and their effects on particle size and particle morphology were examined. The percent of grafted core-PS was 10% below a polymerization temperature of 65°C and 40% above that temperature. By adjusting the size and number of the seed particles, monomer-polymer ratio, and emulsifier concentration conditions were established in which a final copolymer latex with “perfect” core-shell morphology was achieved.     

Upper critical solution temperature type phase behavior of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) blends with poly(styrene‐co‐n‐phenyl maleimide) and their interaction energies

To enhance the heat resistance of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene), ABS, miscibility of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile), SAN, with poly(styrene‐co‐n‐phenyl maleimide), SNPMI, having a higher glass transition temperature than SAN was explored. SAN/SNPMI blends casted from solvent were immiscible regardless of copolymer compositions. However, SNPMI copolymer forms homogeneous mixtures with SAN copolymer within specific ranges of copolymer composition upon heating caused by upper critical solution temperature, UCST, type phase behavior. Since immiscibility of solvent casting samples can be driven by solvent effects even though SAN/SNPMI blends are miscible, UCST‐type phase behavior was confirmed by exploring phase reversibility. When copolymer composition of SNPMI was fixed, the phase homogenization temperature of SAN/SNPMI blends was increased as AN content in SAN copolymer increased. To understand the observed phase behavior of SAN/SNPMI blend, interaction energies of blends were calculated from the UCST‐type phase boundaries by using the lattice‐fluid theory combined with a binary interaction model. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1131–1139, 2008     

Monomer reactivity ratios in graft copolymerization

This paper discusses monomer reactivity ratios in various radiation- and redox-initiated graft copolymerizations. The polymers studied were polyethylene, cellulose acetate, poly(vinyl chloride), polytetrafluoroethylene, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(methyl methacrylate); the comonomer mixtures were styrene–acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate–styrene, acrylonitrile–methyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate–acrylonitrile. The polymer–comonomer mixture systems were so chosen as to permit study of both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. The homogeneous systems included systems of low and high viscosity. The heterogeneous systems included both polymers swollen by the comonomer mixture and polymers not swollen by the comonomer mixture. None of the homogeneous grafting systems studied showed deviations from the normal copolymerization behavior under a variety of experimental conditions. Monomer reactivity ratios in graft copolymerization were the same as the values in nongraft copolymerization. The heterogeneous systems in which the polymer was swollen by the comonomer mixture yielded grafted copolymer compositions which were the same as those in nongraft copolymerization. The heterogeneous grafting system polytetrafluoroethylene/styrene–acrylonitrile showed deviations from normal copolymerization behavior at low degrees of grafting when the reaction was only on the polymer surface. The behavior became normal at higher degrees of grafting when the system approaches that in which the polymer is swollen by the comonomers. In all reaction systems, it was found that the use of radiation to initiate the reaction does not in any way affect the copolymerization behavior of the two monomers in a comonomer pair.     

Interactions in SMA-SAN blends

Styrene/maleic anhydride (SMA) and styrene/acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers have previously been shown to form miscible blends when the MA and AN contents do not differ too greatly. It is shown here that this is the result of a weak exothermic interaction between the MA and AN units by measuring the heats of mixing for appropriate liquid analogs of the various monomer units. The region of copolymer compositions for miscibility of SMA-SAN blends is predicted from the Sanchez-Lacombe mixture theory using net interaction parameters calculated from the analog calorimetry results via a simple binary interaction model for copolymers. Lower critical solution temperature behavior was observed for blends of copolymers having compositions near the edge of the miscibility region. Various glass transition, volumetric, and FTIR results are discussed in terms of the interactions observed.     

Characterization of styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer by pyrolysis gas chromatography

Samples of styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer of different compositions, molecular weights, block copolymers, and a blend of styrene and acrylonitrile homopolymers were prepared and characterized by the method of pyrolysis gas chromatography. On decomposition of SAN copolymer samples at 645°C, eleven components were identified, the most important of them being styrene, acrylonitrile, and propionitrile. By examination of the pyrolyzate composition during pyrolysis of the SAN copolymer of different compositions, it was established that the propionitrile yield was definitely decreased when the acrylonitrile concentration in copolymer was about 60 mole-%. Further, from the propionitrile yield, we could distinguish random SAN copolymer from the styrene-acrylonitrile homopolymer blend, and on the basis of propionitrile yield some information on the molecular structure of the copolymer could be obtained. The styrene yield depends linearly on the copolymer composition. This permits determination of copolymer composition on the basis of the styrene yield. Furthermore, the effects of decomposition temperature and of molecular weight on the yields of styrene and acrylonitrile were examined.     

AN/St悬浮共聚体系中AN在水/油两相间分配及其对共聚物组成的影响

研究了丙烯腈/苯乙烯(AN/St)悬浮共聚体系中AN在水/油两相间的分配及其对AN/St共聚物组成的影响.结果表明,AN分配于水/油两相间,使油相AN的含量低于相同单体配料比的本体聚合,导致生成的AN/St共聚物组成偏离本体共聚.为了准确预测进而控制AN/St悬浮共聚物的组成,提出了在考虑AN相分配的基础上计算AN/St悬浮共聚物组成的模型.计算结果与实验值一致,计算中用到的油相实际竞聚率与本体聚合相同,但该悬浮聚合的表观竞聚率随水/油比的变化而发生较大改变.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of the seeded emulsion copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile

Effects of various operating variables on the kinetic behavior of the seeded emulsion copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile and on the monomer concentration in the copolymer particles were examined. Applicability of high-performance liquid adsorption chromatography to determination of the average composition and composition distribution of the resulting copolymer was also examined.     

Impact resistant resins based on olefinic terpolymers containing a system of conjugated double bonds—V. Influence of reaction solvent on the physico-chemical properties of ungrafted SAN and some technological properties of ATS resins

Radical induced grafting of styrene (S) and acrylonitrile (AN) on to an unsaturated ethylene-propylene based terpolymer (EPTM) in mixed solvents has been investigated. Molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, conversion of ungrafted poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) with 25 w% of AN and its degree of graft on to EPTM have been reported as functions of composition of the toluene/η-heptane mixture used as solvent. Mechanical properties of ATS resins are strongly dependent on the degree of graft of SAN resins and the molecular parameters of the ungrafted SAN; both are influenced by toluene content in the solvent mixture.     

Thermosensitive Particles with Unusual Morphology Prepared by Dispersion Copolymerization

The monodispersed polymeric particles with an unusual structure were prepared by the dispersion copolymerization of acrylonitrile/styrene（AN/St） in mixed solvents of ethanol/water by using the poly（N-isopropylacrylamide） （PNIPAAm） macromonomer as a reaction stabilizer. It was found that the AN monomer plays a key role in the formation of the particles with special morphology analyzed via scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The reaction parameters have remarkable influences on the particle size and morphology. The particles possess a thermosensitive property according to the result of laser light scattering（LLS）.     

Copolymerization and Copolymers of 2,4,5-Tribromostyrene with Styrene and Acrylonitrile

Abstract

2,4,5-Tribromostyrene (TBSt) was copolymerized with styrene (St) or acrylonitrile (AN) in toluene solution using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile as free radical initiator. The copolymerization reactivity ratios were found to be for the system TBSt/St r ₁ = 1.035 ± 0.164 (TBSt) and r ₂ = 0.150 ± 0.057 (St), and for the system TBSt/AN r ₁ = 2.445 ± 0.270 (TBSt) and r ₂ = 0.133 ± 0.054 (AN). The e and Q values were also calculated. The initial copolymerization rate, R _p, for both systems linearly increases as the content of TBSt in the monomer mixture increases. However, these values are somewhat higher when AN was used as a comonomer. A similar behavior has also been established for the course of the copolymerization reactions to high conversion. The resulting copolymers and TBSt-homopolymer show similar thermal stabilities of polystyrene. However, the glass transition temperature increases markedly with increasing TBSt content.     

Preparation of highly sulfonated polystyrene model colloids

Previous attempts to prepare monodisperse styrene/sodium styrene sulfonate copolymer latexes by batch, seeded, and semicontinuous emulsion polymerization were unsuccessful at high concentrations of the functional comonomer. Broad, and sometimes bimodal, size distributions, and large amounts of water soluble homopolymer were obtained. After removal of free monomer, solute and adsorbed homopolymer and copolymer, the overall incorporation of the functional comonomer was found to be low. To overcome these problems, a two stage “shot-growth” or in situ seeding technique was developed. A first stage copolymerization was carried out with a low concentration of sodium styrene sulfonate: the purpose of the functional comonomer was to enhance the stability and regulate the size of the seed particles. When this reaction had reached high conversion (> 90%), a second stage monomer mixture was added. The ratio of styrene to sodium styrene sulfonate in this mixture determined the final surface charge density. The mechanism by which the NaSS is incorporated in the polymer particles is considered to be by solution copolymerization with solute styrene monomer to form surface active oligoradicals. These radicals adsorb on the particle surface, initiate polymerization and become inextricably bound, preventing their transfer back to the aqueous phase. By this means, it was possible to vary independently the particle size and surface charge density. High concentrations of functional comonomer could be polymerized without undue wastage (incorporations were only slightly less than 100%) or loss of monodispersity. In extreme cases, the area per functional group fell below the theoretical minimum, indicating considerable hydration of the surface layers.     

Complex‐radical terpolymerization of acceptor–donor–acceptor systems: Maleic anhydride (n‐butyl methacrylate)–styrene–acrylonitrile

Some features of radical ternary copolymerization of maleic anhydride (MA)–styrene (St)–acrylonitrile (AN) and n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA)–St–AN acceptor–donor–acceptor monomer systems have been revealed. The terpolymer compositions and kinetics of copolymerizations were studied in the initial and high conversion stages. The considerable divergence in the copolymer compositions was observed when a strong acceptor MA monomer was substituted with BMA having comparatively low acceptor character in the ternary system studied. Obtained results show that terpolymerization proceeded mainly through “complex” mechanism in the state of near binary copolymerization of St…MA (or BMA) and AN…St complexes only in the chosen ratios of complexed monomers. The terpolymers synthesized have high thermal stabilities (295–325 °C), which is explained by possible intermolecular fragmentation of AN‐units through cyclization and crosslinking reactions during thermotreatment in the isothermal heating conditions. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 2652–2662, 2000     

Morphology of Nylon-6 blends with styrenic polymers

The morphology of blends of styrenic polymers in a matrix of 75% Nylon-6 prepared in a Brabender Plasti-Corder was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN) form smaller particles as the AN level increases owing to the corresponding decrease in the SAN–polyamide interfacial tension. Various styrenic polymers containing functional groups, maleic anhydride or oxazoline type, that can react with Nylon-6 during melt processing were added to the SAN phase which also led to a decrease in the particle size owing to the graft copolymer formed in situ. The effects of functional group type, amount of functional groups per chain, amount of functional polymer added, and the miscibility of the styrene/maleic anhydride (SMA) and SAN copolymers on the morphology of the styrenic phase in the Nylon-6 matrix are described. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Phase separation conditions for solutions of styrene copolymer with elastomer in a mixture of two monomers

This paper is concerned with incompatibility in the system styrene copolymer-elastomer-mixture of two monomers and its dependence on elastomer concentration and on composition of the styrene copolymers. At higher concentrations of SBR and of MMA in MS copolymers, there is less compatibility of MS and SBR polymers in SBR-MS-St + MMA systems. The compatibility of SBR and MS in St + MMA solutions is generally greater than for SBR and SAN in St + AN solutions. The compatibility of SBR-SAN-St + AN systems is less affected by concentrations of SBR and of AN in SAN than the compatibility of SBR-MS-St + MMA systems on the concentrations of SBR and of MMA in MS.     

The influence of the arrangement of styrene in methyl methacrylate/butadiene/styrene on the properties of PMMA/SAN/MBS blends

A series of methyl methacrylate‐butadiene‐styrene (MBS) core–shell impact modifiers were prepared by grafting styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto polybutadiene (PB) or styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) seed latex in emulsion polymerization. All the MBS modifiers were designed to have the same total chemical composition, and Bd/St/MMA equaled 39/31/30, which was a prerequisite for producing transparent blends with poly(MMA)/styrene‐acrylonitrile (PMMA/SAN) matrix copolymers. Under this composition, different ways of arrangement for styrene in MBS led to the different structure of MBS modifier. The concentration of PB or SBR rubber of MBS in PMMA/SAN/MBS blends was kept at a constant value of 15 wt.%. The effects of arrangement of St in MBS on the mechanical and optical properties of PMMA/SAN/MBS blends were investigated. The results indicated that Izod impact strength of PMMMA/SAN/MBS blend with the amount of St grafted on core in MBS was higher than that of blend with the amount of St copolymerized with Bd in core of MBS, while the transparency of blend is opposite. From transmission electron microscopy, it was found that the arrangement of St in MBS influenced the dispersion of blend, which led to different toughness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

St/AN乳液共聚合的表观竞聚率和恒比组成

<正> 共聚合中竞聚率的正确测算对于研究共聚物组成与单体配料比及转化率的关系、共聚物组成分布及链段分布和共聚合机理都有重要意义。对于大多数二元自由基共聚体系,聚合方法不同对竞聚率无影响,但对某些聚合体系,如苯乙烯/丙烯腈,不同的聚合方法测得的“竞聚率”会有所不同。一般文献报道,苯乙烯/丙烯腈自由基共聚合,60℃下的竞聚率分别为r_st=0.41±0.08,r_(AN)=0.04±0.04,均系本体聚合的实验结果。为此,     

Alternating copolymerization of polar vinyl monomers in the presence of zinc chloride. I. Propagation and initiation of the copolymerization of acrylonitrile with styrene copolymer

Copolymerization of acrylonitrile with styrene spontaneously occurred on addition of zinc chloride without addition of any other radical initiator. The composition of the copolymer approached that of strictly alternating copolymer as zinc chloride added to the copolymerization system increased. The significance of the apparent monomer reactivity ratios of this copolymerization system was studied from a kinetic point of view, and it was shown that the monomer sequence distribution is indicated by the apparent monomer reactivity ratios. Further, equations which represent the relation between the apparent monomer reactivity ratios and Q,e values at a given salt concentration were derived. These equations reasonably accounted for the decrease of the apparent monomer reactivity ratios of the copolymerization of acrylonitrile with styrene in the presence of zinc chloride and the behavior of the other acrylonitrile copolymerization systems in the presence of zinc chloride. The initiation step of the spontaneous radical copolymerization of acrylonitrile with styrene in the presence of zinc chloride was explained by a cross-initiation mechanism.     

Miscibility of poly(vinyl chloride) with styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is shown to be miscible with styrene/acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN) having AN compositions from 11.5 to 26%. Blend samples were prepared using several methods, including solution casting, melt mixing, and precipitation of solutions by a nonsolvent. It is shown that the blend phase behavior is affected by preparation method due to the solvent effect, or Δ_χ effect, and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior. The intramolecular repulsion between styrene and acrylonitrile units in SAN is shown to be the cause of miscibility using heats of mixing obtained from low-molecular-weight analog compounds. An FTIR analysis supplements the above results.     

Studies on the nature of multiple glass transitions in low acrylonitrile,butadiene–acrylonitrile rubbers

A study of the occurrence of multiple glass transitions in acrylonitrile–butadiene rubbers (NBR) has been made. Copolymerization theory was used to predict the change in comonomer composition with conversion for comonomer ratios both above and below the calculated azeotropic composition of 64% butadiene/36% acrylonitrile by weight. The results of these calculations suggested that multiple glass transitions, which occur only in NBR of less than 36% acrylonitrile, were due to an incompatibility of copolymer species of divergent comonomer compositions. This was shown by differential thermal analysis to be the case for various experimental polymers of known comonomer composition. A series of NBR's was prepared by incremental addition of acrylonitrile monomer during polymerization, and the resultant glass transition temperatures were evaluated. Results obtained showed that experimental samples which had single glass transitions also had a much narrower spread of comonomer species than the corresponding rubber polymerized with the use of full initial charge of both monomers. The data indicate that NBR's having a single glass transition, regardless of acrylonitrile content, may be prepared by incremental addition of acrylonitrile monomer during polymerization. Existing copolymerization theory appears to be adequate for predicting incremental monomer addition schedules suitable for the polymerization of NBR's having a single glass transition.     

A Kinetic Study of Free-Radical Styrene-Acrylonitrile Copolymerization by Differential Scanning Calorimeter

Abstract

The isothermal free-radical copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile was examined in the temperature range of 333-373 °K. Initial rate studies of styrene homopolymerization were conducted and agreed favorably with values in the literature. Initial rate studies for acrylonitrile solution polymerization in DMF were also performed. Initiator decomposition rate constants measured in the presence of AN and styrene monomer are reported for AIBN, BP, and DTBP. Rate functions for the full spectrum of comonomer compositions initiated by AIBN and benzoyl peroxide are reported. Several copolymerization kinetic models were tested and found to be inadequate. Conversion histories were found to be consistent with observed initial rates and follow a simple pseudohomopolymerization kinetic model. Autoacceleration was observed and found to increase in severity with increased AN feed compositions and decreased reaction temperatures.