Monomer reactivity ratio anionic chain copolymerization

For any specific type of initiation (i.e., radical, cationic, or anionic) the monomer reactivity ratios and therefore the copolymer composition equation are independent of many reaction parameters. Since termination and initiation rate constants are not involved, the copolymer composition is independent of differences in the rates of initiation and termination or of the absence or presence of inhibitors or chain-transfer agents. Under a wide range of conditions the copolymer composition is independent of the degree of polymerization. The only limitation on this generalization is that the copolymer be a high polymer. Further, the particular initiation system used in a radical copolymerization has no effect on copolymer composition. The same copolymer composition is obtained irrespective of whether initiation occurs by the thermal homolysis of initiators such as AIBN or peroxides, redox, photolysis, or radiolysis. Solvent effects on copolymer composition are found in some radical copolymerizations (Sec. 6-3a). Ionic copolymerizations usually show significant effects of solvent as well as counterion on copolymer composition (Sec. 6-4). 

Obviously, because of the difference in the reactivity of styrene and DVB, the networks prepared by free radical copolymerization do not relate to such an ideal system with uniform distribution of DVB units and constant chain lengths between the junction points. Also, it was not possible to eliminate this serious defect by an anionic copolymerization of the comonomers. The anionic copolymerization has often been initiated by n- or sec-hutyl lithium [110-112]. Under such conditions, styrene is consumed faster than p-DVB, the monomer reactivity ratios being ri = 1.5S and r2 = 0.32. Therefore, DVB-enriched domains wUl form toward the end of the anionic process. On the other hand, the styrene—m-isomer reactivity ratio (r = 0.65 and r2 = 1.20) points to the local incorporation of m-DVB crosslinks into the initially formed copolymer [113, 114]. In addition, the anionic process is also accompanied by intramolecular cycUzation, similar to radical styrene DVB copolymerization [115,116]. 

An alternative rationale for the unusual RLi (hydrocarbon) copolymerization of butadiene and styrene has been presented by O Driscoll and Kuntz (71). Rather than invoking selective solvation, these workers stated that classical copolymerization kinetics is sufficient to explain this copolymerization. They adapted the copolymer-composition equation, originally derived from steady-state assumptions for free-radical copolymerizations, to the anionic copolymerization of butadiene and styrene. Equation (20) describes the relationship between the instantaneous copolymer composition c/[M,]/rf[M2] with the concentrations of the two monomers in the feed, M, and M2, and the reactivity ratios, rt, r2, of the monomers. The rx and r2 values are measures of the preference of the growing chain ends for like or unlike monomers. 

The reactivity ratios for pairs of given monomers can be very different for the different types of chain-growth copolymerization free-radical, anionic, cationic, and coordination copolymerization. Although the copolymer equation is valid for each of them, the copolymer composition can depend strongly on the mode of initiation (see Figure 10.8). 

The hrst section covers the basic principles and characteristics necessary for polymer preparation by polymerization, being either (a) stepwise polymerization of bifunctional monomers by polycondensation, stepwise polyaddition and ringopening processes, or (b) chain polymerization of vinyl monomers by free radical, cationic, anionic, and coordination addition processes. Both of these polymerization techniques are used for polymer preparation from monomer. The goal of the polymerization technique is to obtain polymers with specific structures and properties -this generally requires specialized polymerization conditions. Also described are the factors affecting the rates of homo- and copolymerizations and the reactivity ratios of different comonomers. 

Normally reactivity ratios lie between 0 and 1 (Table 2.9) and so there is usually a tendency toward alternation in most copolymerization reactions. It is found that for the same pair of monomer molecules the reactivity ratios can differ greatly depending upon the nature of the chain carrier used (i.e. free radical, cationic or anionic). Obviously the rate constants fcii, k 2, ki2 and k2 will be affected in different ways by the nature of the active centre and it is found that the relative reactivity of different monomers can be correlated with resonance stability, polarity and steric effects. Such correlations are beyond the scope of this book and the reader is directed towards more advanced texts. 

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