Abstract
AbstractThis work investigates a batch and unseeded emulsion polymerization of isoprene at 10°C with n‐dodecylmercaptan as chain transfer agent (CTA). The obtained polyisoprene (PI) was analyzed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with on‐line viscometry. A global polymerization model was adjusted to the measurements of conversion, average particle size, and average molecular weights. The CTA concentration strongly affects the average molecular weights but has a negligible effect on conversion, average particle diameter, and average branching. Due to the combined effects of chain transfers to the polymer and to the CTA, the final molar mass distributions exhibited dispersity indexes higher than 10. The polymerization model predictions on the average degree of branching was combined with an ideal SEC model for adjusting the branching exponent of PI in tetrahydrofuran at 25°C that resulted ε = 2.5. A sensitivity analysis showed that +20% errors in $\overline{M}$w induced variations in ε lower than −10%. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
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.