Initiation of emulsion polymerisation by gamma‐irradiation. Polymer grafting in a system of unlimited kinetic chain length

Abstract

Abstract Latices of polyvinyl acetate polymerized under the influence of gamma‐rays have been used to initiate the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate. Extensive grafting occurred. If the conditions of preparation were suitable, discrete fractions of graft copolymer could be isolated. The structure of these graft copolymers has been discussed from the point of view of available rate constants for chain transfer of polymethyl methacrylate radicals. In systems where styrene is used in the second stage, little or no grafting could be detected‐the main product being pure polystyrene of high molecular weight.