FREE-RADICAL COPOLYMERIZATION OF METHYL ACRYLATE WITH METHYL-METHACRYLATE IN BENZENE SOLUTION

Methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate have been copolymerized using the initiator 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile over a wide composition and conversion range. Free-radical copolymerization has been carried out i n benzene solution using 3 and 5 mol l-1 as the overall concentrations of monomers. Reactivity ratios do not, apparently, change by dilution . Cumulative copolymer composition was independent of total monomer co ncentration, being described satisfactorily by the integrated Mayo-Lew is equation. The overall copolymerization coefficients are not affecte d by total monomer concentration. They were analysed on the basis of p enultimate effect on the propagation reaction.