1-1 ALTERNATING COPOLYMER OF ACRYLONITRILE AND VINYL-ACETATE

In the described experiments, copolymerization of the acrylonitrile-zinc chloride complex with excess vinyl acetate has been investigated. Alternating 1:1 copolymers of acrylonitrile and vinyl acetate of high mol. wt have been successfully prepared. The alternating structure has been ascertained by means of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The copolymer is amorphous (T//g equals 85 degree C) and has shown thermal and oxidative stability better than those of polyacrylonitrile. The copolymer is soluble in acetone as well as in more powerful solvents such as dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, nitromethane, and N-methylpyrrolidone. The copolymer has been processed into films and fibers from its acetone solutions. Films show tensile properties similar to those of cellulose acetate. Fibers show tensile properties comparable to those of modacrylic fibers.