Polymerization studies: The application of differential thermogravimetric analysis

Abstract

The application of differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTGA) to the study of polymerization mechanisms is illustrated using as examples the radical polymerization of di‐n‐alkyl itaconates and methyl methacrylate (MMA). Five poly(di‐n‐alkyl itaconates) were prepared in bulk, both in the presence and absence of n‐dodecyl mercaptan and in solution using AIBN as initiator. The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was photoinitiated using colloidal CdS as a photosensitizer. The thermal properties of the resulting polymers are described in terms of the proposed polymerization mechanisms. The advantages and disadvantages of DTGA for the identification of thermally weak structures are discussed.