| Abstract: | Emulsion polymerization conditions of free-radical-polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) have been examined in relation to the molecular weight and molecular polydispersity of the resulting polymers. In turn, molecular weight and molecular polydispersity have been related to the apparent viscosity and the appearance of the extrudate produced by an Instron capillary rheometer. The length of time for monomer addition to the polymerization medium was found to be a variable of primary concern in the emulsion polymerization. Continuous monomer addition (from 1 to 2 hr) resulted in a poly(methyl methacrylate) with a narrow distribution (～2.0) and medium molecular weight (～132 × 103). Both molecular weight and polydispersity were found to significantly affect apparent viscosity and extrudate appearance. Differences in the rheological parameters were most marked at the lowest shear rate run in this study. The poly(methyl methacrylate) samples with medium molecular weight and more narrow molecular polydispersity exhibited the best combination of low apparent viscosity and smooth glossy appearance. |
