Cross-linking reaction rate

Different cross-Unking systems influence selected properties of elastomers and duroplastics. So far the reaction kinetics influence the induction time, the activation energy, and the cross-linking rate. Cross-linking effects influence the density and the chemical stracture. And the cross-Unking system has an influence on the foUowing properties tension- and residential deformation, dynamic properties, thermal stabUity, and chemical resistance. 

Hence, the stated above results have shown that fractal reactions at cross-linked polymers cnring can be of two classes fractal objects reactions and reactions in fractal space. The main distinction of the two indicated reaction classes is the dependence of their rates on fractal dimension D. of reaction products. Such... 

With higher proportions of formaldehyde and the para-position vacant, branching is possible. An alkaline catalyst is used to get a slower rate of reaction, thus making it easier to stop the reaction before cross-linking occurs. This type of phenolic resin is called a resole. 

Thermal Oxidative Stability. ABS undergoes autoxidation and the kinetic features of the oxygen consumption reaction are consistent with an autocatalytic free-radical chain mechanism. Comparisons of the rate of oxidation of ABS with that of polybutadiene and styrene—acrylonitrile copolymer indicate that the polybutadiene component is significantly more sensitive to oxidation than the thermoplastic component (31—33). Oxidation of polybutadiene under these conditions results in embrittlement of the mbber because of cross-linking such embrittlement of the elastomer in ABS results in the loss of impact resistance. Studies have also indicated that oxidation causes detachment of the grafted styrene—acrylonitrile copolymer from the elastomer which contributes to impact deterioration (34). 

Because high temperatures are required to decompose diaLkyl peroxides at useful rates, P-scission of the resulting alkoxy radicals is more rapid and more extensive than for most other peroxide types. When methyl radicals are produced from alkoxy radicals, the diaLkyl peroxide precursors are very good initiators for cross-linking, grafting, and degradation reactions. When higher alkyl radicals such as ethyl radicals are produced, the diaLkyl peroxides are useful in vinyl monomer polymerizations. 

The temperature of esterification has a significant influence on isomerization rate, which does not proceed above 50% at reaction temperatures below 150°C. In resins produced rapidly by using propylene oxide and mixed phthaUc and maleic anhydrides at 150°C, the polyester polymers, which can be formed almost exclusively in the maleate conformation, show low cross-linking reaction rates with styrene. 

Isomerization is faciUtated by esterification at temperatures above 200°C or by using catalysts, such as piperidine and morpholine (6), that are effective in raising isomerization of fumarate to 95% completion. Resins made by using fumaric acid are exclusively fumarate polymers, demonstrate higher reactivity rates with styrene, and lead to a complete cross-linking reaction. 

The cross-linking reaction mechanism is also influenced by the presence of other monomers. Methyl methacrylate is often used to improve the uv resistance of styrene-based resins. However, the disparate reaction rates of styrene and methacrylate monomer with the fumarate unsaturation not only preclude the use of more than 8% of the methacrylate monomer due to the significant slowing of the cross-linking reaction but also result in undercured products. 

The action of redox metal promoters with MEKP appears to be highly specific. Cobalt salts appear to be a unique component of commercial redox systems, although vanadium appears to provide similar activity with MEKP. Cobalt activity can be supplemented by potassium and 2inc naphthenates in systems requiring low cured resin color lithium and lead naphthenates also act in a similar role. Quaternary ammonium salts (14) and tertiary amines accelerate the reaction rate of redox catalyst systems. The tertiary amines form beneficial complexes with the cobalt promoters, faciUtating the transition to the lower oxidation state. Copper naphthenate exerts a unique influence over cure rate in redox systems and is used widely to delay cure and reduce exotherm development during the cross-linking reaction. 

Multifunctional Hydroxy, Mercapto, and Amino Compounds. These are used to cross-link halogenated polymers. Depending on the labihty of the halogen, the cross-linking agents can be capped to reduce reactivity or used in combination with accelerators to increase the rate of reaction. Benzoyl capping is common with hydroxy and mercapto compounds forming the carbamate by reaction with one equivalent of carbon dioxide is used with diamines. 

Meta.1 Oxides. Halogen-containing elastomers such as polychloropreae and chlorosulfonated polyethylene are cross-linked by their reaction with metal oxides, typically ziac oxide. The metal oxide reacts with halogen groups ia the polymer to produce an active iatermediate which then reacts further to produce carbon—carbon cross-links. Ziac chloride is Hberated as a by-product and it serves as an autocatalyst for this reaction. Magnesium oxide is typically used with ZnCl to control the cure rate and minimize premature cross-linking (scorch). 

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