Characteristic Ratios of Polymethacrylates

Abstract

Dilute solution properties of polymethacrylates have been studied extensively over the past 30 or so years. Probably more different polymethacrylates have been prepared and characterized than any other class of polymer. A major reason for this intense interest is the ease with which various methacrylate monomers can be prepared, e.g., by esterification of methacrylic acid with the appropriate alcohol or trans-esterification of methyl methacrylate. Also, most methacrylate monomers are easily polymerized to high molecular weights by free radical methods in bulk, in dilute solution, or in emulsion. These polymerizations are generally free of chain transfer reactions which lead to branching or cross linking, so long as conversion to polymer is kept at fairly low levels. Many methacrylates also polymerize via anionic mechanisms. Thus, linear polymethacrylates with a wide variety of side groups can be readily prepared.