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Related Concept Videos

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

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The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the...
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Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity01:26

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Polymerization generates chiral centers along the entire backbone of a polymer chain. Accordingly, the stereochemistry of the substituent group has a significant effect on polymer properties. Polymers formed from monosubstituted alkene monomers feature chiral carbons at every alternate position in the polymer backbone. Relative to the predominant orientation of substituents at the adjacent chiral carbons, the polymer can exist in three different configurations: isotactic, syndiotactic, and...
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Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:04

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

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The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael...
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Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:20

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

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The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...
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Preparation of Hollow Polystyrene Particles and Microcapsules by Radical Polymerization of Janus Droplets Consisting of Hydrocarbon and Fluorocarbon Oils
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Further Insight into the Mechanism of Poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) Microsphere Formation.

Samantha I Applin1, Russell C Schmitz2, Pacita I Tiemsin3

  • 1Department of Applied Science, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, USA.

Journal of Polymer Science. Part A, Polymer Chemistry
|December 30, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study synthesized poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) microspheres using surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. Co-monomer composition and addition time were found to significantly impact particle characteristics and formation.

Keywords:
emulsion polymerizationmethylmethacrylatemicrospheresparticle formationpolystyrene

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Materials Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Polymeric microspheres are versatile materials used in chromatography and aerodynamic analysis.
  • Free-radical initiated emulsion polymerization is a common method for microsphere synthesis.
  • Surfactant-free emulsion polymerization offers advantages in controlling particle properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) microspheres using surfactant-free emulsion polymerization.
  • To investigate the influence of co-monomer composition and addition time on microsphere characteristics.
  • To elucidate the particle formation mechanism.

Main Methods:

  • Surfactant-free emulsion polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate.
  • Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for particle size and distribution analysis.
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for particle morphology assessment.

Main Results:

  • Co-monomer composition and addition time significantly affected particle size distribution and morphology.
  • Characterization data provided insights into particle formation processes.
  • Reaction kinetics correlated with observed particle characteristics.

Conclusions:

  • A particle formation mechanism for poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) microspheres was proposed.
  • The study highlights the importance of controlling synthesis parameters for tailored microsphere properties.
  • Findings contribute to the understanding of emulsion polymerization for functional materials.