Abstract: | A dilatometric technique was used to obtain conversion–time data for the polymerization of acrylamide initiated by potassium persulfate in water. The results are summarized by the empirical rate expression, ?dM1]/dt = Rp = k1.25K2S2O8]0.5M1]1.25, and k1.25 = 1.70 × 1011 exp {?16,900/RT} 1.0.75/mole?0.75-min. Persulfate was varied over the range 9.5 × 10?4 to 5.2 × 10×2 mole/l., and initial monomer concentration M1] was varied from 0.05 to 0.4 mole/l. The temperature range was 30?50°C. Results of analysis of the kinetics and energetics of the polymerization favor a cage-effect theory rather than a complex-formation theory to explain the order with respect to monomer. |