Aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate catalyzed by corundum and characterization of the obtained polymers

Abstract

AbstractThe aqueous polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was studied using sodium bi‐sulfite as initiator in the absence and presence of corundum (Al2O3). It was found that corundum has a catalytic effect on the polymerization reaction. The polymers obtained in the presence of corundum were found to have a wider molecular weight distribution than in its absence; this was deduced by thin‐layer chromatographic analysis in a binary mixture (benzene: methanol 1:1.5 by volume) at 25°C. The apparent energy of activation was calculated between 40 and 50°C, and was found to be 4.50 × 104 and 1.70 × 104 J/mol in the absence and presence of 0.5 g corundum (type 600 grit)/105 mL of the reaction mixture, respectively.