Cobalt-mediated radical polymerization of vinyl acetate in miniemulsion: Very fast formation of stable poly(vinyl acetate) latexes at low temperature

摘要

Poly(vinyl acetate) macroinitiators end-capped by a Co(acac)(2) complex (PVAc-Co(acac)(2)), prepared in bulk by cobalt-mediated radical polymerization (CMRP), are used for the controlled radical polymerization of vinyl acetate in miniemulsion to give high-molecular-weight polymers and high monomer conversion. Stable poly(vinyl acetate) latexes with solid contents ranging from 25 to 30 wt.- are prepared within unusually short reaction times (similar to 1 h) at low temperatures (0-30 degrees C).