POLYMERIZATION OF n-DODECYL METHACRYLATE INTO HIGH CONVERSION

ABSTRACT Bulk polymerization of n-dodecyl methacrylate initiated by 2,2′-azobis-(isobutyronitrile) proceeds with low gel effect and formation of a crosslinked polymer in the temperature region from 60 to 90°C. The polymerization conversion, at which an insoluble polymer fraction begins to form, decreases with decreasing polymerization temperature and initiator concentration. A considerable suppressing of the gel effect and formation of a crosslinked structure is most probably related to the transfer reaction of the propagation radical onto the alkyl group of the ester. The formed crosslinked structure is a very loose network. At the highest degree of crosslinking, the samples swelled in toluene 30 to 35 times their original volume at ambient temperature.