ISSN:
1435-1536
Keywords:
Styrene polymerization
;
latex
;
microemulsion
;
polystyrene
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract The polymerization of styrene in three-component oil-in-water microemulsions made with the cationic surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide is studied by dilatometry and quasielastic light scattering as a function of type and concentration of initiator. Fast polymerization rates, high conversions, and high molecular weight polymers are achieved with both oil-soluble (AIBN) and water-soluble (potassium persulfate) initiators. The rate of polymerization shows initiation and termination intervals, but no constant-rate interval is observed. Stable monodisperse microlatexes are obtained with both types of initiators. For both AIBN and potassium persulfate, polystyrene molecular weight is proportional to initiator concentration [I]−0.4 and particle radii decrease as [I]−0.2. Polymerization initiation occurs in or at the microemulsion droplets, and polymer particles grow by recruiting monomer and surfactant from uninitiated swollen micelles.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00651813
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