The microwave radiation effect on the polymerization of styrene

Styrene was cured by microwave radiation at two different powers: 300 and 500 W. The temperature profile of the sample during the microwave curing process was determined to select a suitable temperature for comparison with the conventional method of cure. The results indicate a similar comparable temperature of about 80°C irrespective of the microwave power used. The percentage conversion of the cure was followed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermal polymerization at 79(±1)°C displayed a gradual increase in the rate of reaction at the gel effect from about 30 to 50% conversion of the reaction. The microwave cure at 300 and 500 W displayed a large and sharp gel effect from about 20 to 69 and 64% conversion of the reaction, respectively. The limiting conversion decreased with increase in microwave power which was also observed in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). Based on similarity in temperature and reaction conditions, the 500 W cure was found to show a reaction rate enhancement of 190% and the 300 W cure 120%. A comparison of microwave induced reactions with thermal methods, therefore, must also specify the microwave power used. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.