Radiation-induced cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers in solution: 1. Influence of monomer and solvent concentration on the rate of polymerization of ethyl vinyl ether in benzene

Abstract

The influence of the monomer concentration on the radiation-induced polymerization of ethyl vinyl ether has been studied in detail in benzene solution under super-dry conditions. Estimations of the rate of initiation and of the rate of termination have shown that the variations in the observed rates of polymerization represent mainly variations in the kinetic parameters of the propagation process. The experimental results, which are in good agreement with the theoretical Hayashi-Williams equation over most of the monomer concentration range are explained by a solvation of the propagating species of the polymer chain. Little or no solvation by the monomer was observed.