Abstract
Solution polymerization of vinyl acetate in methanol initiated by H2O2-Rongalit redox system was performed at 30°C. The effects of atmosphere, concentration of monomer, initiator and the addition of ferrous ion were examined, and compared with those of the previously reported polymerization system initiated by H2O2-l·Eascorbic acid. Polymerization rate was suppressed by oxygen, and had no particular relationship with monomer concentration. The rate became maximum when the ratio of [H2O2] to [Rongalit] was two, and increased with initiator concentration with that ratio. When ferrous ion was added, the initial rate of polymerization increased, but polymerization stopped at relatively low conversion by the excessive addition. Degree of polymerization was higher by the higher monomer and lower initiator concentration. Compared with the case initiated by H2O2-l·ascorbic acid, degree of polymerization was lower initially, but it became higher with conversion. Kinetic considerations were given for these results, and the values of several constants were calculated.
