Atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in [Hmim][HCOO]/THF mixtures

The atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) employing ethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate (EBiB)/CuBr as the initiating system was analyzed at 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C in N-methylimidazolium formate (Hmim]HCOO])/THF mixtures. The polymerization was performed in a well-controlled manner as evidenced by kinetic study and the chain extension result. The apparent activation energy and the enthalpy of equilibrium for the preequilibrium were also investigated. Results show that E _a(app)=47.86 kJ/mol, ΔH ⁰ _eq = 25.67 kJ/mol.