GB524975A - Improved production of co-polymeric products derived from vinylidene chloride - Google Patents

Abstract

524,975. Vinylidene polymerization products. TENNANT, W. J. (Dow Chemical Co.). March 6, 1939, No. 7318. [Class 2 (iii)] Co-polymers of vinylidene chloride and one or more of the lower alkyl esters of either or both acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, wherein the alkyl group contains from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, inclusive, are prepared by subjecting a mixture of the monomers to a temperature between 25‹C. and 100‹C. in the presence of a polymerization catalyst, with or without exposure to light. Alkyl esters specified are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and amyl acrylates and methyl, ethyl, isopropyl and butyl methacrylates. Organic peroxides such as benzoyl alone or mixed with uranium salts such as uranium nitrate or acetate may be employed as catalysts. The co-polymers may be modified by the inclusion of plasticizers, fillers, pigments, colouring agents or other effect materials before or after polymerization. The products are gels, powders, soft porous solids or hard bone-like materials depending upon the extent of polymerization and the proportions of vinylidene chloride to acrylate. In examples, vinylidene chloride and either methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate or a mixture of methyl methacrylate and ethyl acrylate are heated in the presence of benzoyl peroxide. The co-polymer of vinylidene chloride and methyl methacrylate is stated to be soluble in 1:4-dioxan.