Heterogeneity Features of Bulk Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate in an Ampoule Reactor

Abstract Summary: This work demonstrated the severity of heterogeneity issues with ampoule reactors in bulk atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate. The kinetic data of Cu II concentration, monomer conversion, and polymer molecular weight varied from location to location along the ampoule. However, the polymer molecular weight versus conversion data from different locations fell into a single theoretical line. All locations except for the bottom part of the ampoule produced polymers having narrow molecular weight distribution. Conversion versus time at different locations for the ATRP of MMA at 70 °C. image Conversion versus time at different locations for the ATRP of MMA at 70 °C.