THERMAL AND MICROWAVE-ACTIVATED NONAQUEOUS FREE-RADICAL DISPERSION POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL-METHACRYLATE IN N-HEPTANE

Thermal and microwave-induced free-radical non-aqueous dispersion poly merization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of poly(styren e)-block-poly(ethene-alt-propene) dispersing agent were compared. For controlled polymerization in the microwave field, a new microwave poly merization reactor was built to afford uniform heating and to control temperature via microwave power variation. Al identical MMA concentrat ion and polymerization temperature of 70 degrees C no special effect o f the microwave field on conversions, molecular weights and particle s izes of PMMA was detected with respect to conventional thermal free ra dical dispersion polymerization.