Frontal polymerization of metal-containing monomers as a way for the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites

The frontal polymerization of metal-containing monomers based on acrylamide (AAm) complexes of transition and noble metal nitrates M(AAm)(x)(H2O)(y)(NO3)(2) (M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, Pd) and the properties of the products obtained are studied. This is a first example of thermal (353-433 K) initiation of frontal polymerization without any chemical initiators. By examining the kinetics of thermolysis and evolution of gaseous products of transformation we have concluded that nitrogen oxides formed during partial oxidation of nitrate groups are able to initiate the reaction. We succeeded first in carrying out frontal copolymerization of acrylamide complexes with traditional monomers. The main copolymerization parameters are estimated. Following controllable thermolysis of metallopolymers formed or controlled change of frontal polymerization into burning regime leads to the formation of metallopolymer nanocomposites. The yield product is metal (or metal oxides) nanoparticles stabilized by a pyrolized polymer matrix. The size of the particles is about 6 to 30 nm. The novel approach for synthesis of palladium immobilized catalysts via frontal polymerization of acrylamide complexes into surface of inorganic oxides is elaborated.