Determination of Propagation Rate Constants Using a Pulsed Laser Technique

Thomas P. Davis, Kenneth F. O'Driscoll, Mark C. Piton, Mitchell A. Winnik

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Abstract

Propagation rate constants (kp) for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (STY) were determined by using a recently developed experimental technique. The procedure utilized a pulsed laser UV light source for the polymerization, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to analyze the products. The average kpvalues obtained were 294 ± 9 and 78 ± 6 L mol-1s-1 for MMA and STY, respectively at 25 °C. These kp values were found to be independent of chain length (v), initiator type, and concentration. The inclusion of methanol, ethylbenzene (to STY), ethyl acetate (to MMA), or poly-STY at 0.5% w/v as additive to the polymerization mixture had no significant effect on kp.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2785-2788
Number of pages4
JournalMacromolecules
Volume22
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 1989
Externally publishedYes

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