Vinyl Polymerization. 355. Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Initiated with the System Oxycellulose, Cu(II) Ion, and Water

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Abstract
The polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated with a system of oxycellulose, CuCl2, and water was carried out. The conversion of MMA and the degree of polymerization of homopoly-MMA were larger than obtained with the initiator system of cellulose, CuCl2 and water, while the efficiency of grafting was almost the same. It was confirmed that the polymerization proceeds through a radical mechanism. The effects of amounts of cupric chloride, water, and MMA in the feed on the conversion were studied. The pH of the water phase showed a remarkable effect: maximum conversion was obtained at neutral pH. At 90°C, a ceiling temperature was observed. The overall activation energy was estimated to be 96.7 kJ/mole. The initiation mechanism is discussed.