Polymerization of vinyl stearate multilayers

Abstract A study was made of the solid‐state polymerization of built‐up monomolecular layers of vinyl stearate. Polymerization was initiated by exposing the samples to 60 Co γ‐radiation. The reactions were followed by multiple internal reflection infrared spectroscopy. The structure of the multilayer monomer and polymer was studied by x‐ray diffraction. Surface properties of the multilayers were studied by contact‐angle measurements. Results showed that, under the proper conditions, monomer multilayers of vinyl stearate could be polymerized to virtually 100% completion. Reaction was favored by higher irradiation temperatures, larger doses of radiation, and by higher reaction temperatures. The x‐ray diffraction photographs indicated that both the monomer and polymer multilayers possessed some single crystal character. Contact‐angle measurements indicated that the molecules in both the monomer and polymer multilayers were closely packed.