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A Simple Method for Synthesizing Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polystyrene through Emulsion Polymerization Using Alkyl-9-BBN as an Initiator

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Abstract

Styrene emulsion polymerization using an alkyl-9-BBN, synthesized by reacting 9-BBN (9-borabicyclo-[3.3.1]-nonane) and styrene, in an aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution was studied. Ultra-high-molecular-weight (> 1.0 × 107) polystyrene was synthesized using a radical initiator formed through the aerobic oxidation of this alkyl-9-BBN in a high yield (> 80%). The kinetics of this emulsion polymerization of styrene with the alkyl-9-BBN was investigated. We confirmed that in the initial stage of the polymerization, the initial reaction rate followed first-order kinetics. The activation energy for this emulsion polymerization of styrene was approximately 56.2 kJ/mol.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi, 782-8502, Japan

    Chao Zhao, Ryuichi Sugimoto & Yusuke Naruoka

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  1. Chao Zhao
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  2. Ryuichi Sugimoto
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  3. Yusuke Naruoka
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Correspondence to Ryuichi Sugimoto.

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Zhao, C., Sugimoto, R. & Naruoka, Y. A Simple Method for Synthesizing Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polystyrene through Emulsion Polymerization Using Alkyl-9-BBN as an Initiator. Chin J Polym Sci 36, 592–597 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-018-2064-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10118-018-2064-4

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