Exhaustive analysis of frontal copolymerization of functionalized monovinyl and divinyl monomers

TitleExhaustive analysis of frontal copolymerization of functionalized monovinyl and divinyl monomers
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsPujari, NS, Inamdar, SR, Ambekar, JD, Kulkarni, BD, Ponrathnam, S
JournalChemistry-A European Journal
Volume13
Issue20
Pagination5862-5872
Date PublishedAPR
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN0947-6539
Keywordscopolymerization, patterns, Polymers, porosity
Abstract

A series of copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)/ glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethylene dimethacrylate (EGDM) were synthesized by frontal polymerization (FP). This study was conducted to investigate the effect of crosslink density, type and concentration of initiator, the use of a complex initiator system, porogen, and diluent on the most relevant parameters of FP, such as sustainability of the front, temperature profile, front velocity, and yield. The products were also characterized for intruded pore volume, pore-size distribution, epoxy-functionality number, and surface morphology. Higher crosslink densities (CLDs) and initiator concentration produced higher front velocities, whereas no trend in front temperature was noted. A complex initiation system was effective in stabilizing and increasing the polymerization yield. Relative to suspension polymerization (SP), FP products synthesized without a solvent were microporous, whereas micro-to-macroporous products were obtained in the presence of a solvent (for HEMA-EGDM polymers). We also present, explain, and discuss the exotic patterns observed under a microscope. We observed two basic types of spatial patterns, namely, planar and nonplanar patterns. The type of planar pattern observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has a spatial impulse that appears as a loop followed by regular periodic motion in the radial and axial directions. This behavior gives rise to a repeating pattern that is a few microns thick. Also, nonplanar patterns, namely, layered concentric rings and winding staircase patterns, were observed under SEM.

DOI10.1002/chem.200601428
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)

Foreign

Impact Factor (IF)5.771
Divison category: 
Chemical Engineering & Process Development
Polymer Science & Engineering