Acidic Peroxo Salts: A New Class of Initiators for Vinyl Polymerization. IV. Kinetics of Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated by Potassium Monopersulfate Catalyzed by Ag(l)

Abstract

Kinetics of vinyl polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by an acidic peroxo salt, such as potassium monopersulfate coupled with silver nitrate, have been investigated in aqueous medium over the temperature range from 35 to 50°C. The rates of polymerization (R_p) have been computed for various concentrations of the monomer and initiator. The effectiveness of various metal salts in catalyzing the polymerization reaction has been determined from the observed R_p values. The effects of the catalyst (AgNO₃), initiator, monomer, and various secondary aliphatic and aromatic amines on R_p and percentage conversion have been studied. The endgroups of the resultant polymers have been studied using standard methods. From the observed endgroups and kinetic results, a reaction scheme has been proposed involving initiation by ′OH or SO₄ ^? radicals, generated by the interaction of the initiator with silver nitrate and termination by mutual combination.