Polymerization Kinetics of n-Lauryl Acrylate

The polymerization kinetics of n-lauryl acrylate have been investigated in ethyl acetate and n-heptane at 40°C. A high monomer order, 1.6(5), was found in both solvents. Corresponding initiator orders, determined using Azdn and lauroyl peroxide, were slightly less than the usual value of 0.5. Although the chain termination reaction is undoubtedly diffusion controlled from the start of polymerization, diffusion effects dependent on monomer concentration only partly account for the high monomer order. Other possible explanations based on primary radical termination, “cage-effects,” degradative chain transfer, and radical complexing are also not applicable. Contrary to observations with lower acrylate esters, autoacceleration effects do not occur in the high conversion polymerization of n-lauryl acrylate. Ths probably reflects the reduced importance of radical branching reactions with this monomer.