Polymerization of itaconic acid derivatives

The γ-ray-initiated polymerization of dimethyl itaconate was studied. Dimethyl itaconate was polymerized by γ-irradiation at temperatures where the monomer does not polymerize thermally; so long as the monomer is kept in a liquid state, even at temperatures below the melting point, the polymerization takes place. Itaconic anhydride was polymerized in the solid state with γ-irradiation or benzoyl peroxide. The molecular weight of the polymer increases with time or yield and is greater than that of polymer obtained by other methods. The kinetic study and crystallographic study indicate that the γ-ray-initiated solid-phase polymerization is a first-order reaction with respect to monomer and the rate-determining step changes as the polymerization proceeds.