POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL-METHACRYLATE INITIATED BY ULTRASOUND

Irradiation of methyl methacrylate with high-intensity ultrasound produces radicals which can initiate polymerization, although a concurrent degradation reaction occurs. The effect of a number of parameters on the process has been studied and a quantitative model proposed which allows their correlation. Suitable manipulation of the experimental conditions, mainly the temperature and ultrasonic intensity, allows the preparation of polymers with controlled molecular weight, polydispersity, and tacticity. The method offers the possibility of a useful initiation technique although low conversions have been achieved and these will have to be improved before it has commercial application.