Abstract
This article deals with the clarification of polymerization characteristics of microgel-like network polymer precursor (NPP), closely related to the inhomogeneous network polymer formation, in the free-radical crosslinking polymerization of multivinyl monomers. Firstly, the gelation in free-radical crosslinking allyl benzoate (ABz) /diallyl terephthalate (DAT) copolymerization governed by Flory-Stockmayer gelation theory was examined in the coexistence of a preceded crosslinking polymerization of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a typical multivinyl monomer accompanied by in situ nanogel- or microgel-like methacrylate-NPP formation. Then, respective ABz and DAT polymerizations were carried out with in situ inhomogeneous network formation by a preceded EGDMA crosslinking polymerization. The resulting NPPs were characterized by SEC-MALLS-viscometry and light scattering. In conclusion, the preceded in situ methacrylate-NPP formation promoted the gelation, never leading to delayed gelation.
