Radiation-induced polymerization of octene-1 was carried out in the temperature range of -196 to+50°C in both the liquid and solid states of the monomer. The following variables were studied.
1) Dependence of polymerization rate on temperature.
2) Effects of radical scavengers on the polymerization at various temperatures.
3) Dose rate dependencies of the polymerization rate at -78°C and +20°C.
4) Effects of various solvents on the polymerization.
The following results were obtained; 1) Although the Arrhenius plot of the polymerization rate did not yield a linear relation, the total polymerization rate was separated into radical and ionic contributions. 2) The rate of polymerization was proportional to the first power of the dose rate at +20°C and -78°C. 3) At relatively high temperature, the rate of polymerization was accelerated by carbon tetrachloride, while, the rate was retarded by benzene. On the other hand, at low temperature, the rate of polymerization was not affected by carbontetrachloride, while the rate was accelerated by benzene.
From these experimental results, it was concluded that a cationic polymerization is operative at low temperatures whereas a radical mechanism predominates at higher temperatures.
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