Persulphate-Co2+-Bisulphite Initiated Aqueous Polymerization of Acrylamide and Retardation by Organic Solvents

Abstract

The aqueous polymerization of acrylamide initiated by the persulphate metabisulphite redox couple and catalyzed by CO²⁺ ions has been iodometrically studied in atmospheric oxygen over the temperature range from 25º to 45 ± 0.2ºC. The effect of varying concentration of monomer, persulphate, bisulphite and CO²⁺ ions on the course of polymerization has been investigated. The following rate depgndence has been observed: R_p α [Monomer]^1.0 [CO²⁺]^1.0 [HSO:₃^–]⁰ [PS]^1.0. Various inorganic salts and organic solvents were added to the reaction medium and the rate of polymerization was observed with a special emphasis on the retarding behaviour of organic solvents. The energy of activation was calculated to be 10.8 kcal/mol.