Preparation of poly (sodium‐p‐styrenesulphonate) by radiation‐induced polymerisation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare poly(sodium‐p‐styrenesulphonate) (PSSNa) and investigate the effects of polymerisation conditions on the polymerisation rate of sodium styrenesulphonate (SSNa) and molecular weight of PSSNa.

Design/methodology/approach

SSNa polymers were prepared in both solution state and solid state by the γ‐ray radiation‐induced polymerisation. The molecular weight of polymer was measured with Ubbelohde viscosimeter and the molecular structure was characterised with IR and UV spectrophotometers.

Findings

In the radiation‐induced polymerisation of SSNa, factors such as irradiation dose rate, total dose, irradiation temperature, additives, etc. have impacts on the polymerisation rate, polymer yield and molecular weight of polymer. In aqueous solution, the reacted monomer number of SSNa and the total activation energy (Ea) of polymerisation were found to be 1.28×10⁴mol/100 eV and 12.98 kJ/mol, respectively. In the solid state, the SSNa was polymerised too, although the irradiation dose needed for the polymerisation was much higher comparing with that in the liquid state.

Research limitations/implications

There are few reports on polymerisation process for the preparation of PSSNa via radiation techniques.

Practical implications

PSSNa has been widely used in many fields. Polymers prepared by radiation‐induced polymerisation could be used in special aspects such as biomedical application which requires products of higher purity.

Originality/value

The paper provides a way for the preparation of higher purity PSSNa without the use of polymerisation initiator.

Citation

Li, H. and Gao, D.Y. (2011), "Preparation of poly (sodium‐p‐styrenesulphonate) by radiation‐induced polymerisation", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 40 No. 1, pp. 24-28. https://doi.org/10.1108/03699421111095900