Copolymerization of MMA with VAc by Starch Catalysis

Copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with vinyl acetate (VAc) is conducted by manganic pyrophosphate initiation and starch catalysis. The copolymer is characterized by IR spectra, 1 HNMR spectra, and gel permeation chromatography. The influences of reaction conditions, including the pH value, initiator concentration, monomer concentration, reaction temperature, and the reaction time, on the yield of poly(MMA-co-VAc) copolymer are investigated. Comparative experiments are carried out without the addition of starch under the same conditions. The mechanism of the catalysis of starch is speculated based on experimental results.