Molecular weight distribution of poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole obtained in catalytic solid‐state polymerization

Abstract

AbstractThe molecular weight distribution of poly‐N‐vinylcarbazole (PVCar) obtained in solid‐state polymerization with various catalysts or γ‐rays was measured by gel‐permeation chromatography, in order to determine the mechanism of the solid‐state polymerization. In addition, the molecular weight distribution of PVCar obtained in the solution polymerization by the cationic catalyst was also measured. The molecular weight distribution of PVCar obtained in the catalytic solid‐state polymerization was broad and had three peaks, independent of the nature of catalysts, radical and cationic. A large amount of low molecular weight oligomer (probably dimer or trimer) was formed in the catalytic solid‐state polymerization of VCar. The molecular weight distribution of PVCar obtained in the cationic solution polymerization showed only one sharp peak. On the other hand, the molecular weight of PVCar obtained in the radiation‐induced solid‐state polymerization was larger than that obtained in the catalytic solid‐state polymerization, and dimer or trimer was not formed. The molecular weight distribution of PVCar obtained was composed of one sharp peak in the high molecular weight region, and a broad peak in the low molecular weight region, and was extremely different from that of PVCar obtained in the catalytic solid‐state polymerization.