Copolymerization with depropagation: Prediction of kinetics and properties of α‐methylstyrene–methyl methacrylate copolymers. II. Bulk copolymerization

In order to calculate some kinetic parameters, such as the reactivity ratios, of the system α‐methylstyrene–methyl methacrylate, the bulk copolymerization of these two monomers with azobis isobutironitrile (AIBN) as a radical initiator was studied. Experiments were performed at the various temperatures of 50, 60, and 80°C with 0.5 mol % of initiator (AIBN). The kinetics, molecular weights, microstructure, and glass transition temperature (T_g) of the copolymers were followed. A software, previously developed (part I), taking into account the equilibrium of the homopolymerization of α‐methylstyrene, was used to simulate the experimental data. The model was in good agreement with all the experimental data. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 1611–1625, 1999