E. Leonardstibbe et al., THE CATIONIC POLYMERIZATION OF N-VINYL-2-PYRROLIDONE INITIATED ELECTROCHEMICALLY BY ANODIC POLARIZATION ON A PT SURFACE, Journal of polymer science. Part A, Polymer chemistry, 32(8), 1994, pp. 1551-1555
The electroinitiated polymerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone has been
investigated. After electrolysis at controlled potential, a thin, cove
ring, and homogeneous film of poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) appears on
the electrode. The insolubility of the polymer in its classical solven
ts implies the existence of a true chemical grafting of macromolecules
on the platinum surface. Chain propagation occurs by a cationic mecha
nism initiated by a direct electron transfer leading to grafted cation
s on the surface, followed by the nucleophilic attack of neutral molec
ules. The molecular weight of the polymer was estimated by gel permeat
ion chromatography after having mechanically removed the film from the
electrode. A molecular weight distribution curve showing an average v
alue of 16,000 was observed. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.