The in situ polymerization of vinyl chloride in poly(butyl acrylate)

Abstract

The in situ polymerization of vinyl chloride with poly(butyl acrylate) has been studied. Vinyl chloride was polymerized using a peroxydicarbonate initiator in sealed ampoules in the presence of various weights of poly(butyl acrylate). The products were examined by dynamic mechanical analysis and electron microscopy. It was found that if about 50% or less vinyl chloride was present in the mixture homogeneous blends were formed. If more than 50% vinyl chloride was present the polymerization passed through a two phase region in the three component phase diagram and inhomogeneous blends were formed. If homogeneous blends prepared as above were reswollen with vinyl chloride and the latter polymerized, then homogeneous blends containing more poly(vinyl chloride) could be prepared, avoiding the two phase region. The interaction parameters between vinyl chloride and both poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(butyl acrylate) were estimated using inverse gas chromatography. Using these and an estimate of the polymer/polymer interaction parameter the three component phase diagram could be qualitatively explained.