Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract

"A kinetic and characterization study has been made on the effects of gamma-rays (Co⁶⁰) on the polymerization of a 50-50 weight mixture methyl methacrylate (MMA) kaolin clay system. The effect of dose rate (7.35 - 24.9 rads per second), temperature (25 to 75ºC) and total dose on the percentage conversion of monomer to polymer was studied. The rate of formation of polymer at 25ºC in the composite system was found to be faster when compared to a bulk MMA system at the same experimental conditions. This acceleration showed that the clay had a catalytic effect on the formation of polymer. The effect decreased as temperature increased. Rate data and apparent activation energies are reported. Two types of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were formed in the composite. One type was called homopolymer and could be removed from the composite by extraction with organic solvents. The other type was called inserted polymer and could only be removed by dissolving the clay matrix with hydrofluoric acid. Characterization studies showed that the homo and inserted polymer exhibited the following characteristics: 1. NMR spectra showed that both polymers had increased isotacticity as compared to bulk polymer 2. the viscosity average molecular weights of the homopolymer ranged from (0 .4 x 10⁶ to 5 x 10⁶) depending upon the dose rate, temperature and total dose received. 3. gel permeation chromatography studies confirmed the increase of molecular weight for the homopolymer and showed the same peak molecular weights and distribution for the inserted polymer. 4. infrared spectroscopy showed no differences in the structure of either type of polymer. X-ray, particle size gravimetric thermal analysis (DTA-TGA) and surface area measurements were used to characterize the clay. Mechanical tests, DTA-TGA and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the entire composite. A discussion on the potential uses of PMMA-kaolin clay composites is presented along with suggested future work in this area of research"--Abstract, pages ii-iii.

Advisor(s)

Mayhan, Kenneth G.

Committee Member(s)

Park, Efton
Bertrand, Gary L.
Edwards, D. R.
Hill, Otto H.

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering

Sponsor(s)

U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
University of Missouri--Rolla. Materials Research Center.
University of Missouri--Rolla. Department of Chemical Engineering. Sinclair Research Fellowship

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1971

Pagination

xiv, 142 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 139-142).

Rights

© 1971 James Jackson Beeson, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Polymeric composites -- Effect of radiation on
Polymerization -- Design
Polymerization -- Effect of temperature on
Radiation chemistry
Chemical kinetics

Thesis Number

T 2428

Print OCLC #

6024746

Electronic OCLC #

860856490

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