Polymerization of carboxyl group containing monomers with chemical initiators. Part III. Polymerization of acrylic acid induced by the persulphate/sulphite redox system

Abstract

The polymerization of acrylic acid by the redox system ammonium persulphate/sodium sulphite was studied under a variety of conditions. The obtained results indicate that the total conversion is determined by the concentrations of (NH4)2S2O8 and Na2SO3, as well as by the degree of neutralization of acrylic acid and the duration of polymerization. The apparent viscosity of the formed poly(acrylic acid) decreases as the shear rate increases due to the deformation of the poly(acrylic acid) macromolecules under the influence of higher shear rate. A tentative mechanism for the polymerization reaction is suggested.