| Abstract: | Previous studies have demonstrated that the interaction of carboxylic acids with aryl amines produces free radicals that can initiate the polymerization of acrylic monomers. N-Aryl-α-amino acids (NAAA) represent a special class of this type of initiator that combines in one molecule the carboxylic acid and aryl amine functionalities necessary for the generation of radical species. The mechanism(s) of radical formation in these molecules is thought to involve both electron transfer and hydrogen abstraction reactions that can occur by intra- and intermolecular pathways. Acrylic monomers, i.e., methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), were activated with various amounts of several NAAAs. Specific NAAAs investigated include N-phenylglycine (NPG) and N-p-tolylglycine (NTG). Polymerization was conducted at ambient or near ambient temperatures, and the polymers then were analyzed by electron impact mass spectrometry. Results indicate that these polymers have end groups derived directly from the NAAA initiators. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polm Sci 65:561–565, 1997 |
