Microwave-assisted radical polymerization of dialkyl fumarates

Free radical polymerization of dialkyl fumarates (R:isopropyl, cyclohexyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 2-phenylethyl) under microwave irradiation was investigated. The polymerizations were carried out at different powers of irradiation and initiator concentrations (benzoyl peroxide, BP) and the effect of the monomer structure on the conversion, average molecular weights and the polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) was analyzed. A significant enhancement of the rates of polymerization was found, as compared with those obtained under thermal conditions.