Effect of plant gums on photo-polymerization of acrylonitrile

The effect of some plant gums on the polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) using eerie ammonium nitrate (CAN) as initiator in presence of air (containing 21% oxygen) was studied. The induction period and percent conversion were determined. The induction period in presence of gum was comparatively lower than that under the N-2-atmosphere. The percent conversion was found to be 91% within an hour. The rate of polymerization depends on the concentration of the gum and initiator upto a certain limit. Both the molecular weight and density of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) prepared in presence of the gum are higher than those of PAN prepared in absence of the gum. The PAN produced in presence of the gum is more thermostable than that prepared in its absence.