RADICAL POLYMERIZATION AND COPOLYMERIZATION REACTIVITIES OF FUMARATES BEARING DIFFERENT ALKYL ESTER GROUPS

Radical polymerization of fumarates bearing different alkyl ester groups (DRF) on the same molecules was investigated. In bulk polymerization of DRF at 60-degrees-C initiated with 2,2'-azobis (isobutyronitrile), it was confirmed that the polymerization reactivity depended on the structures of both alkyl ester groups. The introduction of bulky alkyl groups increased the polymerization rate and molecular weight of the polymer because of retardation of bimolecular termination rates. The effect of the ester substituents on the termination was examined by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The copolymerization reactivities of DRF with styrene were also investigated. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.