Methyl α‐cyanoacrylate. I. Free‐radical homopolymerization

Abstract

Abstract Methyl α‐cyanoacrylate, when suitably inhibited by Lewis acids against anionic polymerization, can be polymerized readily with free‐radical initiators to form hard, clear, high molecular weight polymers. The ratio of k p 2 / k t is approximately 0.021 at 60°C. if 100% efficiency of initiation by azobisisobutyronitrile is assumed. Acceleration occurs at very low conversion to polymer during bulk polymerizations. The homopolymer is thermally unstable at temperatures only slightly above the glass temperature (estimated to be 165–170°C.). Degradation of the polymer under gamma irradiation is pronounced, only 18 e.v. being required per main‐chain scission.