RATES OF POLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLATES AND METHACRYLATES IN EMULSION SYSTEMS

Abstract

The microcalorimeter has been used to obtain rates of polymerization of a number of monomers in emulsion systems. The rates with the acrylates are consistently higher than those with the methacrylates, and this is attributed to less steric hindrance. Low rates found with monomers containing a hydroxyl group are explained as due to solvation in the initial state. In both the acrylates and methacrylates the rates go through a maximum as one goes up the series methyl: ethyl: butyl: hexyl. This is discussed in terms of inductive and steric effects.