During bulk polymerization, the relative concentration of monomer and polymer changes. When the monomer is liquid and the obtained polymer is a glassy solid, vitrification occurs at some point of the reaction. Herein, we investigate the bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, and butyl methacrylate. We show that, at the vicinity of vitrification, the reaction solution becomes heterogeneous, which results in an apparent phase separation. We discuss polymerization-induced vitrification in conjunction with reaction acceleration (the Trommsdorff effect) and subsequent deceleration (the glass effect).
- Yasuhito Suzuki
- Ryutaro Mishima
- Akikazu Matsumoto
