Vapor-Phase Free Radical Polymerization in the Presence of an Ionic Liquid

• Published in: Macromolecules Vol. 44; no. 8; pp. 2653 - 2659
• Main Authors: Haller, P. D, Frank-Finney, R. J, Gupta, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 26.04.2011
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymerization; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts; Imidazole derivatives; Gas polymerization; Iminium compounds; Fluorine containing polymer; Experimental study; Ionic liquid; Hydroxyethyl methacrylate polymer; Heterogeneous polymerization; Structure processing relationship; Gas liquid reaction; Vapor deposition; Free radical polymerization; Microencapsulation; Interface reaction; Alkyl acrylate polymer
• ISSN: 0024-9297; 1520-5835
• DOI: 10.1021/ma102807n

An ionic liquid (IL) was introduced into a vapor-phase free radical polymerization process for the first time. The deposition of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate) (PPFDA) was studied in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) droplets. The polymerization occurred either at the vapor−IL interface or within the IL depending on reaction conditions such as the duration of deposition, the stage temperature, and the monomer solubility. A variety of polymeric architectures such as polymer skins that completely encapsulated the droplet, free-standing polymer, and polymer films that float freely on the surface of the IL were formed. The results from this study will facilitate the design of new polymer−IL composite materials for use in fuel cell and battery applications.