Aqueous polymerization of acrylamide initiated by 4,4′-azobis (4-cyano pentanol) and chain extension of polyacrylamide by means of ceric ion redox systems

The polymerization of acrylamide (AA) initiated by 4,4′-azobis (4 cyanopentanol) (ACP) was investigated in aqueous solution at 60°C. The molecular weight and the conversion depend on polymerization duration and initiator concentration. Polymerization of AA initiated by ACP yields polyacrylamide (PAA) with hydroxyl terminal groups. Redox polymerization of AA initiated by hydroxyl terminated PAA in conjuction with Ce(IV) provided increase in the molecular weight of the initial polymer.