[ University of Duhok ] Experiment 5
Preparation of PMMA by suspension polymerization
In suspension polymerization, both monomer and initiator to be used
must be water insoluble. The system is initially liquid – liquid (both
monomer and dispersion medium are in the liquid phase, but they are
immiscible with each other), while after the polymerization it become
solid – liquid (liquid monomer gets converted into a solid polymer).
This technique require only:
a. Monomer
b. Initiator (soluble in monomer)
c. Water
d. stabilizer
The initiator is dissolved in a monomer and this solution is dispersed in
the medium (water) in the form of fine droplet. To stabilize the
suspension, water – soluble protective colloids such as poly (vinyl
alcohol), methyl cellulose or starch are added and the mixture is stirred
continuously. This system is subjected to heating.
After the polymerization, these droplets get converted into solid pearl
like beads hence, it is also called as bead/ pearl polymerization.
4th year 1
[ University of Duhok ] Experiment 5
After the polymerization, the polymer is separated by centrifugation or
filtration, washed and dried.
The rate of suspension polymerization is similar to the rate of bulk
polymerization, but the heat transfer is much better.
It is used only in free radical type processes.
There are two separate phases throughout the whole process.
Particle size is affected by the following four factors:
1. stirring rate
2. ratio of reactants
3. suspension agent
4. temperature
Particle may be 0.01 to 0.5 cm, or as low as 1 micron.
Suspension polymerization is similar to bulk polymerization, and it
could be considered “bulk polymerization within a droplet”.
4th year 2
[ University of Duhok ] Experiment 5
Advantages Disadvantages
• The process is cheaper than • The method can be adopted only for
other as it involves only water. water insoluble monomers.
• Viscosity increase is negligible. • It is difficult to control polymer size.
• Agitation and temperature • Polymer purity is low (suspending &
control is easy. stabilizing additives are difficult to
remove completely).
• Product isolation is easy since • Suspension polymerization reaction is
the product is insoluble in highly agitation sensitive.
water.
Procedure:
(suspension polymerization of PMMA)
1. Place (2.5ml) methyl methacrylate monomer in dry test tube then add
(o.1gm) of benzoyl peroxide (initiator) then add (2.5ml) of D.W. and a few
amounts of stabilizer.
2. Place the test tube in water bath at (80oC) for (15min) with shaking, and then
put it on the rack for (5min) at room temperature.
3. Calculate the percentage of polymer:
% polymer = (weight of polymer / volume of monomer) *100
4th year 3