COPOLYMERIZATION OF BUTADIENE AND ISOPRENE CATALYZED BY V（acac）3-Al（i-Bu）2Cl-Al2Et3Cl3 CATALYST AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PRODUCTS

Copolymerization of butadiene and isoprene catalyzed by the catalyst system V（acac）;-Al（i-Bu）;Cl-Al;Et;Cl;has been studied. Composition, microstructure, crystallinity and melting point of the copolymer obtained were determined by PGC, IR, X-ray diffraction and DSC methods respectively. The results revealed that the product was a copolymer and not a blend. The butadiene units presented in the copolymer were of trans-1,4-configuration, while the isoprene units were of both trans-1,4-and 3,4-forms. The melting point and crystallinity of the copolymer decrcascd with increase of molar ratio of isoprene to hutadiene.