The ferric hydroxide‐hydrazine system as an initiator of vinyl polymerization. II. The emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate

The reaction between hydrazine hydrate and manganic hydroxide has been studied as an initiator for the emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate. The system has proved to be effective, and polymerization occurs at favorable rates over a wide temperature range extending from below 10°C to over 50°C. The pH range, however, is rather limited, the most effective value being 9. The main features of the initiator's behavior are similar to those found previously in the corresponding solution polymerization and are explained on the basis of a surface reaction between the hydrazine and the insoluble hydroxide. A complicating feature is the reaction between hydrazine and monomer, which exerts an inhibiting influence.