Preparation and properties of crystalline, low molecular weight poly(vinyl chloride)

Abstract

Abstract The preparation of low molecular weight (DP < 52) poly(vinyl chloride) by free radical solution polymerization in chain transfer agents, e.g., butyraldehyde, chloroform, tetrahydronaphthalene, and tetrahydrofuran, is described. It is found that such polymers are crystalline and that the degree of crystallinity increases with decreasing molecular weight.