Vapor-Phase Free Radical Polymerization In the Presence of An Ionic Liquid

In this talk, we will discuss the kinetics associated with vapor-phase free radical polymerization in the presence of ionic liquids. In our system, polymerization can occur either at the vapor-IL interface or within the bulk IL depending on reaction conditions such as the stage temperature and the monomer and polymer solubility. We will present results associated with deposition of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate) (PPFDA)in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) droplets and we will show that a variety of novel polymeric architectures such as polymer skins that completely encapsulate the droplet, free-standing polymer, and polymer films that float freely on the surface of the IL can be formed by varying reaction conditions.