Competency of sonolysis on PTC induced polymerization of EMA – A comparative kinetic study

Abstract

In the presence of biphasic medium, ethyl methacrylate has been polymerized using phase transfer catalyst under silent/ultrasonic condition (53 KHz, 100 W) at 60℃ (±1℃) as well as under inert atmosphere. A series of quaternary ammonium salts namely 1,4-Bis(dimethylhexyl)ethylenediammonium bromide (DMHEDAB), 1,4-Bis(dimethylheptyl) ethylenediammonium bromide (DMH1EDAB) and 1,4-Bis(dimethyloctyl) ethylenediammonium bromide (DMOEDAB) have been selected as phase transfer catalysts (PTCs). Rate of polymerization is assessed in silent and sonolytic conditions by varying the concentrations of monomer, initiator, PTCs, solvents, and temperature. The synergism of sonolysis and phase transfer catalysts increased the rate when compared to silent polymerization. Based on the results, thermodynamic values are measured, and the order of efficacy of all three catalysts are observed as DMOEDAB > DMH1EDAB > DMHEDAB.