Polydimethylsiloxane/poly(methylmethacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks: 1. Efficiency of stannous octoate as catalyst in the formation of polydimethylsiloxane networks in methyl methacrylate

Abstract

Deactivation of the polycondensation catalyst in in situ sequential syntheses of polydimethylsiloxane/poly(methyl methacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks was observed, which impeded the gelation of the elastomeric network. The loss of catalytic activity could be ascribed to the simultaneous presence of radicals and oxygen in the reaction medium. When either oxygen is excluded or a radical inhibitor added, the polycondensation proceeds to gelation at the expected rate. © 1989.