Molecular weight distribution and topological features of some systems of emulsion polymerization

A study has been made of the influence of the polymerization temperature on the MWD of copolymers of vinylidene fluoride with fluorovinyl ether. Copolymers synthesized at 30° have a unimodal MWD, and a narrow maximum in the high-molecular weight portion of the curve. As the temperature rises a second (higher molecular weight) maximum appears, the area below the maximum increasing as the temperature rises. In the polymerization system examined the monomer forms a micro emulsion, the diameter of the drops being ∼ 3×103A. A reaction scheme in keeping with the results is proposed.