| Abstract: | N-alkylmaleimides from the N-methyl to the N-octadecyl derivative were polymerized in the solid state by γ-radiation. Polymerization during irradiation generally showed sigmoidal conversion curves with high rates and complete conversion 10°C below the melting point. Post-irradiation rates were lower and showed the typical approach to a “limiting” conversion. The polymerization rates increased with temperature and radiation dose and with the length of the alkyl chain. N-methylmaleimide had a high rate of in-source polymerization which was attributed to the volatility of the monomer. |
