A fundamental investigation of the gas phase polymerization of styrene and vinyl type monomers in a low power inductively coupled 4 MHz RF plasma

"A study has been made on the plasma polymerization of styrene and vinyl type monomers in a cold, low power, inductively-coupled RF plasma. All vinyl type monomers yielded an insoluble, crosslinked film which was slightly colored. A kinetic study is reported for styrene. The effects of power level, bleed rate of monomer, pressure and reactor geometry on the rate of polymer formation are reported. A mechanism is postulated for plasma polymerization. It was found that the initiation step was the rate controlling step and that the reaction followed a cationic polymerization scheme. Both crosslinking and discoloration of the polymers occur at the time of polymerization and are not a result of exposure of the reacted polymer to the plasma. The polymerization was shown to take place in the bulk phase as well as on the reaction wall surfaces. A design equation is reported which is consistent with experimental data obtained for polymer formation within the RF field of the reactor"--Abstract, page ii.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D. in Chemistry

Grantor

University of Missouri--Rolla

Year dc:date.available

2016

Author dc:creator

• Thompson, L. F.

• Chemistry

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/doctoral_dissertations/2057

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsmine.mst.edu:doctoral_dissertations-3059