Improved analysis of copolymerization involving participation of comonomer complexes

Interaction between comonomers may lead to formation of an association dimer or donor-acceptor complex, which may participate in copolymerization. Probability theory has been used to derive equations relating the copolymer composition and sequence distribution for a particular comonomer composition to the equilibrium constant for complex formation and six reactivity ratios. A multi-dimensional, least squares, minimization procedure is described for deriving “best estimates” of these parameters, without recourse to approximations. Measurements of sequence distributions, for example by 13c NMR, provide a method to confirm the involvement of comonomer complexes. Physical and mechanical properties of copolymers are influenced by sequence distribution and hence by complex participation in the copolymerization