Free Radical Polymerization of Acrylonitrile in Green Ionic Liquids

Abstract Free radical polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) in ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF 4 ]), 2,2;m1‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator was investigated. Early investigations on polymerizations using ionic liquids indicate that they serve as especially good solvents to achieve high molecular weight polymers. Free radical polymerizations result in higher molecular weight polymers, for ionic liquids have low chain transfer constants and act to stabilize the active radical during the process of polymerization. The thermal stability of polymers synthesized in ionic liquids have be improved obviously than that in traditional solvents.