The manufacture and polymerization of stable n-butyl cyanoacrylate (BCA) miniemulsions were achieved in the presence of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA). This surfactant, by releasing protons at the interface, slows down the interfacial anionic polymerization of n-BCA through (reversible) termination. Preliminary emulsion experiments showed that adequate DBSA/monomer ratios and stirring rates are required to avoid the generation of long polymer chains through uncontrolled polymerization. By sonicating the original mixture to produce a miniemulsion, a fair control of oligomer generation is exerted. In all experiments, however, the final oligomer distribution is mainly composed of three to five units, with the equilibrium value imposed by interfacial polymerization/depolymerization events. As a consequence, particles quickly destabilize by Ostwald ripening of the partly water-soluble hydroxylated oligomers. Decreasing the acid content after sonication by adding hydroxide sodium permits the formation of longer chains and thus enhances particle stability. Maximum molar masses of 1200 g/mol are reached even in the latter polymerization conditions, a critical chain length for which oligomers lose their surface activity and stop propagating.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.