Synthesis of comb-like polystyrene and properties of its dilute solutions☆

Abstract A study has been made of the radical graft polymerization of styrene on to a copolymer formed between styrene and 1-methacrylonyl-1-tert.butylperoxy ethane, which contains peroxide groups in its side chains. The kinetic features of the process have been clarified. Polymer solutions have been investigated by the methods of diffusion, sedimentation, viscometry and g. l. c. The results of the investigations indicate that graft comb-like polymers are formed. It is shown that the degree of branching of the macromolecules is basically affected by the concentration of peroxide groups in the base and by the degree of transformation. The most branched structures are formed at moderate degrees of conversion (40–60%).