Polymer synthesis, frontal polymerization

Pathak, T.S., Kotha, A.M., and Ponrathnam, S. (2004) Functionalized polymer networks synthesis of microporous polymers by frontal polymerization. Bull. Mater. Sci., 27, 529-536. 

Fortenberry, D.I. and Pojman, J.A. (2000) Solvent-free synthesis of acrylamide by frontal polymerization. J. Polym. Sci., Part A Polym Chem., 38, 1129-1135. 

The use of frontal polymerization in polymer synthesis. Trends Polym. Sd., 4, 253-257. 

Frontal polymerization is a mode of converting monomer into polymer via a localized exothermic reaction zone that propagates through the coupling of thermal diffusion and Arrhenius reaction kinetics. Frontal polymerization was discovered in Russia by Chechilo and Enikolopyan in 1972 (63). The macrokinetics and dynamics of frontal polymerization have been examined in detail (5) and applications for materials synthesis considered (64,65). 

We expect that this approach will ultimately have three benefits over traditional methods of polymer synthesis 1) reduced energy costs, 2) reduced waste production, and 3) unique morphologies. A desirable feature of frontal polymerization is the rapid and uniform conversion of monomer to polymer. Performing an adiabatic polymerization of a neat monomer is difficult at best and dangerous at worst, but it can be advantageous because the heat of the reaction is used to increase the rate of reaction. Also, the absence of solvent eliminates the need to separate the polymer from the solvent and residual monomer, which requires energy and can have environmental ramifications. 

Frontal free-radical polymerization applications to materials synthesis. Polym. News, 28, 303-310. 

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