KINETIC STUDIES OF A REDOX POLYMERIZATION

Abstract
Kinetic studies of a redox-initiated polymerization have indicated activation energies of 9.7 kcal. per mole for the decomposition of the initiating system, approximately 6 kcal. per mole for the propagation reaction, and 9.0 kcal. per mole for the consumption of MTM-4 in the emulsion system. Lower polymerization temperatures raised the gel point without shortening the polymer chains, apparently by decreasing the proportion of cross-linking to propagation reactions. Two types of nonmercaptan termination have been found to occur to appreciable extents: mutual termination of free radicals and a termination process involving the emulsifier.