POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL-METHACRYLATE INI TIATED BY MANGANESE TRIS(3-ACETYLACETONATE), IN EMULSIONS STABILIZED WITH ANIONIC SURFACTANTS

The kinetics of methyl methacrylate polymerization initiated by mangan ese(III) tris(3-acethylacetonate), in emulsions stabilized by anionic surfactants of various structures, was studied. On the basis of kineti c data, of the particle sizes of the latices formed that were measured , and on the basis of a constant polymerization rate, calculated per u nit volume of aqueous phase, conclusions were drawn concerning the mic ellular mechanism of the process. The primary, radicals resulting by i nitiator decomposition are formed in the aqueous phase and this is in agreement with the kinetic mechanism of the polymerization.