The effect of single and mixed micelles of surfactants on polymerization of acrylamide

Acrylamide is conveniently polymerized in aqueous solution to a water soluble polymer. The measurements of kinetic parameters of polymerization of acrylamide, in aqueous and micellar solution have been carried out by conduction calorimeter. The polymerization is initiated by sodium sulfite and sulfite-persulfate redox system. The effect of initiator and monomer concentration as well as temperature and surfactants on polymerization rate constant has been investigated. The analog thermogram method has been employed to calculate the rate constants. The activation energy is calculated from Arrhenius relationship and molecular weights are determined by viscometry. Rate equations have been derived and reaction mechanisms have been suggested. The rate of reaction is found to increase with temperature and monomer concentration.