Real-time Detection of Polymerization Reactions with Hyperpolarized Xenon at Low Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Abstract. For process control it is desirable to develop simple devices for studying polymerization reactions in real-time and in-situ. We are demonstrating an approach using NMR at fields as low as 35 G and hyperpolarized xenon, which allows us to observe polymerization reactions in real-time. The investigated reaction is a free radical polymerization with the initiator azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and the monomer methyl methacrylate (MMA). AIBN and MMA are mixed together in a sample tube under noble gas atmosphere, and the reaction is started by irradiation with UV light (360 nm). As the reaction goes on, xenon NMR spectra are acquired. They show increasing line broadening and a variation of the chemical shift depending on the state of polymerization. This observation gives rise to the idea that a single-sided high resolution NMR sensor can be developed with which at least light induced polymerization reactions can be studied in-situ and in real-time.