Chain transfer reactions and the Nature of Initiation in the polymerization of styrene

Abstract

Chain transfer reactions of Styrene in acids, alcohols, at 60°–80°C have been studied. Temperature Coefficient determinations of transfer constants have indicated the positive effect with acids and irreproducibility with alcohols. From the study of the overall rates with the [Solvent/Monomer] ratios the inhibitory nature of the solvents has been concluded. The relative importance of the primary radicals (for initiation and recombination) from Benzoyl peroxide, Methyl Ethyl Ketone peroxide, Di-tertiary Butyl Peroxide and tertiary Butyl Hydroperoxide has been inferred by employing them to catalyse the polymerization of styrene at 80°–100°C. From the overall rates and degrees of polymerization the rates of catalytic initiations in solution polymerization of styrene have been evaluated.