Copolymerization of divinyl monomers with maleic and fumaric acid derivatives

The process of formation of reticular copolymer molecular structures produced in free radical copolymerization of divinyl monomers ( divinyl ethers of diethylene glycol and hydroquinone, divinyl sulfide, p-divinylbenzene, etc.) with maleic and fumaric acid derivatives is studied. The basic factor that determines the features of molecular and network structures of copolymers is reactivity of the divinyl monomer in copolymerization with monovinyl monomer. The network of copolymers of maleic anhydride with the divinyl ether of hydroquinone is formed out of oligomer microgels. Divinyl sulfide in copolymerization with maleic acid is disposed to cyclocopolymerization; also crosslinking reactions occur. Formation of a network structure of copolymers of divinylbenzene with maleic and fumaric acid derivatives is shown to proceed via an alternating copolymerization mechanism. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.