Polymerisation of siloxane modified divinyl benzene pre-polymers

Pre-polymers prepared by modifying divinyl benzene (DVB) by introducing di methyl siloxane units of different chain lengths were polymerised with DVB using free radical initiators. The double bond conversion and radical formation were monitored using in situ FT-Near Infrared and Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopic techniques. Kinetic parameters such as propagation and termination rate constants, and initiator efficiency were calculated using the FT-Near Infrared and Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy data. Changes in these parameters during polymerisation were interpreted considering the crosslinking reactions and viscosity changes in the pre-polymer/DVB mixtures.