Effect of Curing Time on Poly(methacrylate) Living Polymer

Abstract

Poly (methacrylate) (PMMA) shows several advantageous properties such as exceptional optical clarity, high strength, superior dimensional stability and modest wettability. PMMA is derived by living polymerization with Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) method. The samples were cured at two different environments such as air and argon. The curing process of PMMA in air was performed at the room temperature. PMMA samples were cured under controlled inert argon atmosphere with tightly controlled 45 °C. The effect of curing ambient to polymer morphology was evaluated, comparatively. The effect of curing ambient on structural difference is examined by using XRD analysis and stereomicroscope.