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An investigation into the degree and rate of polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) in the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate
Author(s) -
Benton Michael G,
Brazel Christopher S
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.1509
Subject(s) - hexafluorophosphate , ionic liquid , polymerization , polymer chemistry , methyl methacrylate , degree of polymerization , polymer , radical polymerization , solvent , benzene , chemistry , solution polymerization , materials science , organic chemistry , catalysis
Room‐temperature ionic liquids (ILs), including 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [bmim + ][PF 6 − ], were investigated as replacements for volatile organic compounds in the free‐radical solution polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The latter was synthesized in benzene and [bmim + ][PF 6 − ] at 70 °C via a free‐radical process and the degree and rate of polymerization were compared based on the solvent used. The degree of polymerization was found to be five times higher in [bmim + ][PF 6 − ] than in benzene, while the rate of reaction was approximately four times faster in [bmim + ][PF 6 − ]. The results indicate the potential for using ILs to produce high‐molecular‐weight polymers and block structures based on the increased free‐radical stability in ILs. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry