Abstract

Free-radical copolymerization propagation kinetics of styrene (ST) and 2- hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) have been investigated using pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) combined with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and proton NMR. Monomer reactivity ratios for bulk ST/HEMA copolymerization are rHEMA = 0.49 and rST = 0.27, with no significant variation with temperature found between 50 and 120 °C. The composition-averaged copolymerization propagation rate coefficient, kp,cop, is well represented by the implicit penultimate unit effect (IPUE) model. The copolymerization kinetics of HEMA with ST is quite similar to that of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) with ST. A computational study based on quantum chemistry supports the finding that GMA and HEMA are more reactive toward ST radicals compared to alkyl methacrylates.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.