IONIC LIQUIDS AND THEIR ROLE AND EFFECTS AS REACTION MEDIA IN POLYMERIZATION PROCESSES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32010/DXKP8719Keywords:
ionic liquids, methyl methacrylate, radical polymerization, copolymerization, gel effectAbstract
This article reviews the application of ionic liquids as alternative reaction media in polymer synthesis, with a particular focus on radical polymerization and copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). It explores how the unique physicochemical properties of ionic liquids influence key aspects of the polymerization process, including reaction mechanisms, kinetic behavior, and phenomena such as autoacceleration (gel effect). Compared to conventional organic solvents, ionic liquids provide a more controlled reaction environment, enabling the formation of polymers with higher molecular weights and improved structural regularity. The study further examines how ionic media affect the microstructure and resulting properties of MMA-based copolymers formed with various comonomers, emphasizing the importance of intermolecular interactions and medium polarity in governing polymer growth and architecture. Owing to their negligible vapor pressure, recyclability, and tunable physicochemical properties, ionic liquids are increasingly recognized as efficient and sustainable media for advanced polymerization processes.
