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An interesting contrast: effects of maleic acid and styrene on the synthesis of functional poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres
Author(s) -
Li Songjun,
Hu Jie,
Liu Bailing
Publication year - 2005
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.1641
Subject(s) - comonomer , styrene , maleic acid , methyl methacrylate , polymerization , polymer chemistry , copolymer , materials science , particle size , chemistry , polymer , composite material
The effects of maleic acid and styrene on the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) have been studied. Both comonomers play a considerable role in terms of particle size and MMA conversion. The polymerization of MMA in the presence of maleic acid can result in larger particles and a higher MMA conversion. However, in the presence of styrene, the polymerization process yields smaller particles and low MMA conversion. This can be related to the different properties of maleic acid and styrene. Maleic acid, a hydrophilic and electron‐withdrawing comonomer, can play a positive role in stabilizing the particles and increasing MMA activation. However, for styrene, these effects are reversed due to its opposite properties. The change in particle size may be caused by the change in particle stabilization. The change of MMA conversion can be kinetically attributed to the effects of maleic acid and styrene on the activation process. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry