a new Λ \ .

CK==£^C = N Eastman intermediate

Of principal interest in homopolymers and copolymers, methacrylonitrile is similar in reactivity and function to acrylonitrile. The presence of the methyl group, however, introduces significant variations in such polymers, including greater solubility and lower melting point.

Eastman has developed a new process for the production of methacrylo­nitrile, which has resulted in the availability of this reactive intermediate in high purity. Here are a few of the areas in which the use of methacrylo­nitrile might be profitably investigated.

H O M O P O L Y M E R S Polymerization of methacrylonitrile may be carried out by bulk, gel, or emulsion techniques. The resulting polymers are of value in molding com­positions, films and coatings, fibers and foams. Molding compositions. Polymethacrylonitrile can be compression-molded, with or without plasticization. Its physical properties lie between those of the commercial thermoplastic and thermosetting resins. Polymethacrylo­nitrile possesses excellent electrical properties and shows good chemical resistance to acids, alkalies, hydrocarbons, alcohols and esters.

Films. Clear, tough, flexible films of polymethacrylonitrile have been cast from solvent solutions producing smooth, glossy lacquer-type coatings of outstanding durability, suitable for protecting wood, glass or metal sur­faces. These films may be plasticized, pigmented or dyed.

Fibers. Its greater solubility and lower melting point, as compared with polyacrylonitrile, make methacrylonitrile attractive as a component of fiber-forming copolymers.

Foams. Plastic foams of closed cell structure and good mechanical proper­

ties, particularly tensile and flexural strength, result from expansion of polymethacrylonitrile acetone gels. C O P O L Y M E R S with Butadiene. Butadiene-methacrylonitrile copolymers are similar in physical properties to commercially available acrylonitrile copolymers, but exhibit significantly better processing characteristics. They require less power for milling, allow faster incorporation of powdered materials, are cooler milling, have lower elastic recovery and retain excellent process-ability after long periods of milling or calendering at high temperature.

As elastomeric plasticizers for vinyl resins, methacrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers show higher tensile and strength values, clearer films, higher plasticity and better milling and calendering characteristics than do acrylonitrile copolymers.

with Other Monomers. Copolymers may be made with vinylidene chloride, acrylic and vinyl esters, and styrene for preparation of threads, fibers and films. Interpolymers with various compounds are useful for lacquers, paints, insulation coatings, impact-resisting films, molded articles, glass substitutes, and as strengthening layers for safety glass and self-support­ing films. I N T E R M E D I A T E The reactivity of methacrylonitrile combined with its short molecule makes it an excellent intermediate for synthesizing a variety of acids, amides, amines, esters and nitriles.

For samples and further information, write to Chemical Sales Develop­ment Department, Chemicals Division, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., Kingsport, Tennessee.

KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE, subsidiary of Eastman Kodak Company

6 C & E N M A Y 5, 1958

Methacrylonitrile

CHEMICAL PRODUCTS. INC. Eastman