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Article
Microstructure evolution and monomer partitioning in reversible addition - Fragmentation chain transfer microemulsion polymerization
Macromolecules (2008)
  • Jennifer M. O'Donnell, University of Delaware
  • Eric W. Kaler, University of Delaware
Abstract
Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies of reversible addition - fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) microemulsion polymerizations of butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate with the RAFT agent methyl-2-(O-ethylxanthyl) propionate (MOEP) allow the observed rate retardation to be attributed to slow fragmentation of the macro-RAFT radical. Microemulsion polymerization allows the RAFT mechanism to be investigated in the absence of termination reactions so that the cause of the rate retardation frequently observed in both homogeneous and heterogeneous polymerizations may be isolated. However, the concentration of monomer at the locus of polymerization (Cmon(part)) must be known as a function of conversion before a mechanistic study of the RAFT reaction can be completed. SANS is uniquely capable of probing the evolving microstructure of both the micelles and polymer particles during the polymerization. Cmon(part) then can be calculated by combining this microstructural information with material balances on the components of the microemulsion.
Keywords
  • microemulsion polymerization,
  • rate retardation,
  • reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer,
  • ABS resins,
  • chemical reactions,
  • free radical polymerization,
  • neutron scattering,
  • polymerization,
  • rate constants,
  • microemulsions
Publication Date
2008
Publisher Statement
Reprinted (adapted) with permission from Macromolecules, 41 (2008), pp. 6094-6099. doi: 10.1021/ma8004923. Copyright 2008 American Chemical Society.
Citation Information
Jennifer M. O'Donnell and Eric W. Kaler. "Microstructure evolution and monomer partitioning in reversible addition - Fragmentation chain transfer microemulsion polymerization" Macromolecules Vol. 41 Iss. 16 (2008)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennifer_heinen/4/