The Copolymerization of Methacrylates in a Counter-Rotating Twin-Screw Extruder

The copolymerization of n-butylmethacrylate with 2-hydroxypropylmethacrylate was studied in a closely intermeshing counterrotating twin-screw extruder. The average molecular weight of the product can be increased by increasing the screw rotation rate or the die resistance or by decreasing the throughput or the barrel temperature. The conversion can be improved by decreasing the throughput, increasing the die resistance, and (within limits) increasing the barrel temperature, as well as through post-initiation. Compared with various classical polymerization processes, this situation requires that particular attention be paid to the occurrence of a gel effect, the existence of a thermodynamic ceiling temperature, and the reactivity ratio of the monomers used.