Synthesis of ultra high molecular weight poly(dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride)

Abstract

In the study we reported the synthesis of poly-(dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) with ultra high molecular weight. The polymerization method consists in the following: the ultra-high purity monomer synthesized in lab was used as the raw material, and APS as the initiator. APS was added in a lump and the polymerization temperature was increased stepwise to complete the polymerization gradually in 9 h reaction time. The maximum intrinsic viscosity ([η]) of PDMDAAC reached 3.66 dL g–1 at a monomer conversion rate (Conv) of 96.71%. The structure and properties of PDMDAAC were characterized using FTIR, NMR, GPC-MALLS, and DTA-TG. The effects of polymerization conditions, such as the polymerization temperature, m(DMDAAC), m(APS): m(DMDAAC), and m(Na4EDTA): m(DMDAAC), on the [η] and Conv of products were investigated. Meanwhile, the effects of the monomer purity on the [η] of products were compared. The results showed that the types and amount of impurities in monomer solution are two key factors, which affect the polymerization and, thus, the molecular weight of products.