Modification of graphite to increase reaction rate in styrene/graphite in situ polymerization system

• Published in: Journal of polymer research Vol. 31; no. 9
• Main Authors: Abedini, Hossein, Tayebi, Seyed Saeid, Daneshgar, Mohammad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.09.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Benzene; Caustic soda; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Graphite; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Monomers; Nitric acid; Original Paper; Polymer Sciences; Polymerization; Sodium hydroxide; Styrenes; Polymerization; Modification; Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfate (SDBS); Graphite; Styrene
• ISSN: 1022-9760; 1572-8935
• DOI: 10.1007/s10965-024-04135-9

In this work, with the aim of increasing the monomer conversion rate in the styrene-graphite in situ polymerization system, graphite modification methods have been investigated. Modification of the graphite in the presence of nitric acid, sodium hydroxide or sodium dodecyl benzene sulfate (SDBS) was investigated with five different methods in order to reduce its adverse effects on the polymerization rate of styrene. The most effective modification approach was determined using quantitative data such as polymerization conversion and graphite dispersion in organic phase. Compared to other modified samples and unmodified graphite, graphite modified in sodium hydroxide solution with SDBS showed the most compatibility with the polymerization system and caused a significant increase in the monomer conversion rate. Monomer conversion increases by 22% and 29% respectively in the presence of 0.5% and 2% of the best modified graphite compared to non-modified graphite. Also, the results showed that this modification method stabilizes the suspension of graphite particles in styrene for a longer period of time than other methods.