MICROGEL FORMATION IN THE FREE-RADICAL CROSS-LINKING POLYMERIZATION OF ETHYLENE-GLYCOL DIMETHACRYLATE (EGDMA) .1. EXPERIMENTAL

An important feature of free radical crosslinking polymerization of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) resin is the formation of heterogeneous structure through intramolecular reaction. Such structure formation affects not only the cure behavior and rheological changes of the resin but also the physical properties of the formed polymers. In this study, the reaction kinetics, morphological changes, and characteristics of formed polymers were examined by a differential scanning calorimeter, a Rheometrics Dynamic Analyzer, a dynamic light scattering goniometer, and a Fourier transfer infrared spectrometer. Experimental data showed the formation of bimodal polymers before gelation. These polymers are partially crosslinked and can be considered as microgel particles. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.