Conditions of microgel formation in homogeneous anionic polymerization of 1,4‐divinylbenzene

A kinetic model of the homogeneous anionic polymerization of 1,4‐divinylbenzene (1,4‐DVB) in dilute solutions with instantaneous initiation and without cyclization and termination reactions is proposed. The monomer and pendant vinyl group conversions, degrees of polymerization of the primary chains and the crosslinking densities were predicted as a function of the reaction time as well as 1,4‐DVB and initiator (butyllithium) concentrations. The previous experimental data concerning the formation of the microgels can be explained using the kinetic mechanism of the polymerization reaction and neglecting cyclization. Calculations indicate that reactive 1,4‐DVB microgels can be synthesized in the whole concentration range of the initiator.