Polymerization of acrylonitrile initiated by the vanadium(v)-potassium thiocyanate redox system: a kinetic study

Department of Polymer Science, University of Mysore, Sir M. V. P. G. Centre, Mandya-571 402, India

National College of Pharmacy, Shimoga-577 201, India

Department of Post-Graduate Studies in Industrial Chemistry, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri,
Shankaragatta-577 451, India

Fax : 91-08282-37255

Manuscript received 31 May 2000, revised 8 September 2000, accepted 28 August 2001

Polymerization of acrylonitrile, initiated by the free radicals formed in situ in the vanadium(v)- thiocyanate redox system has been studied in aqueous sulfuric acid and perchloric acid media in the temperature range 28-38°. The rate of polymerization (R_p) and the rate of vanadium(v) disappearance have been measured. The effects of some water-miscible organic solvents, surfactants and complexing agents on the rate of polymerization are investigated. The temperature dependence of the rate has been studied and the activation parameters are computed. A mechanism consistent with the experimental data is suggested.