Modelling Degradative Chain Transfer in d-Limonene/2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate Free-Radical Copolymerization

Abstract

Summary Degradative chain transfer plays a significant role in the free-radical copolymerization of d-limonene (LIM) and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA). This is due to d-limonene allylic radicals. A kinetic model was developed to account for degradative chain transfer. Experimental data at feed compositions (LIM/EHA, mol/mol) of 40/60, 50/50, 30/70 were compared with model predictions. The model revealed the considerable effect of degradative chain transfer on conversion, copolymer composition and molecular weight. Moreover, it indicates that degradative chain transfer to d-limonene is not only conversion-dependent but also concentration-dependent.