Abstract

Kinetics aspects of radiation polymerization of methyl-methacrylate, styrene and vinyl acetate monomers in the emulsion systems have been studied. A panoramic gamma source with an activity of about 70,000 Ci was employed as a variable dose rate irradiator. Influence of the emulsifier content and irradiation dose rate on the rate of polymerization and the molecular weight of the products have been studied. In this study, Smith-Ewart rate theory was used to explain the experimental results. Tween 20 was used as the emulsifier. In the case of vinyl acetate monomer, it was found that the irradiation dose needed for obtaining a certain degree of conversion increased with the increase of the emulsifier content. However, in the case of styrene and methylmethacrylate monomers it was found that the irradiation dose needed for obtaining a certain degree of conversion decreased with the increase of the emulsifier content. The molecular weight of polymers, were found to be much influenced by the irradiation dose rate, emulsifier content and the degree of conversion. It was found that the three monomers showed different characteristics. Several deviation from Smith-Ewart rate theory have been detected.

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