Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate by Chromium(III) Nitrate in an Aqueous Solution Containing a Nonionic Surfactant

Abstract

Chromium(III) nitrate enneahydrate was found to initiate polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in an aqueous solution containing a nonionic surfactant under a nitrogen. atmosphere. The effective surfactants for the polymerization were confined to those as follows: Tween series (except Tween 85) and Brij 35.2, 2-Dipheny1-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibited the polymerization. The copolymer composition curve for the copolymerization of MMA with styrene agreeded with that of an ordinary radical mechanism. It was considered from the above result that the polymerization of MMA proceeded through a radical mechanism.