Persulphate initiated graft copolymerization of methacrylamide in natural rubber latex—II. A kinetic study

Abstract

A kinetic study of the persulphate initiated polymerization of methacrylamide in natural rubber latex has shown that the overall course of polymerization resembles the analogous aqueous polymerization. However, the rate of polymerization increases with increasing rubber concentration in a complex manner, together with a concomitant decrease in induction period. The overall activation energy of polymerization decreases from 18.4 to 11.8 kcal mole −1 as the rubber concentration is increased from 0–306 gl −1, at constant monomer and initiator concentrations. Activation of polymerization probably occurs by increase in the rate of initiation perhaps by interaction of the negatively charged latex particles with the persulphate dianion. The kinetic results indicate that, in contrast to earlier studies with oil soluble monomers, the site of polymerisation is the aqueous phase or surface of the rubber particles rather than the rubber interior.