Postpolymerization of quaternary ammonium acrylate polymer produced by electropolymerization

Abstract

AbstractPostpolymerization of dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate‐methyl chloride (DMAEM‐MC) electropolymerization, with Sn+2/EDTA as initiator, was studied. The factors that affect the stable average molecular weight of the polymer (MW∞) created by postpolymerization were investigated. The results indicate that the major factors affecting the MW∞ are the current density, pHi value, and the [Sn+2]i/[EDTA]i ratio. On the other hand, original reaction temperature, initial initiator concentration, and initial monomer concentration are minor factors affecting the postpolymerization polymer. Increasing the current density decreases the MW∞ at fixed operating conditions. The optimum [Sn+2]i /[EDTA]i ratio to obtain the highest MW∞ mainly depends on the pHi value. At 3.25 and 4.00 pHi values, the optimum [Sn+2]I/[EDTA]i ratio is 5.00. However, at 1.75 and 2.50 pHi values, the optimum ratios are 1.00 and 2.00, respectively. The results also reveal that increasing the original reaction temperature, initial initiator concentration, and initial monomer concentration increases the molecular weight. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1071–1076, 2001