Polymerization of vinyl monomers. I. Dye reducing agent photosensitizing systems

Abstract

A systematic study of the kinetics of photosensitized polymerization of vinyl monomers with the system Dye (erythrosin or acriflavine)-reducing agent (ascorbic acid), in the presence of oxygen and under buffered conditions (pH 6) in aqueous solution has been made. The determinations of the monomer disappearance, dye disappearance and of chainlengths of the polymers obtained against the different variables like light intensity, concentrations of monomer, dye, ascorbic acid, etc., have been made. A kinetic mechanism proposed for the overall reaction is discussed in the light of the experimental results and certain rate constants have also been evaluated.