New Aspects of Ionic Liquids as a Novel Initiator of Radical Polymerization

Abstract

This study focused on a simple approach to prove the initiating ability of radical polymerization in some types of imidazolium ionic liquids such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate, and 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium bromide. Their utility has been demonstrated beyond doubt: they are indeed worthy initiators of unique radical polymerization of some types of vinyl monomers such as methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate. This polymerization behavior is unique and marked different from that of traditional radical polymerization.