Processes for preparing copolymers

摘要

Disclosed is a process for preparing copolymers which comprises, in the order stated: (1) adding monomers containing unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds, a first polymerization initiator, a second polymerization initiator, and a solvent to a reaction vessel; (2) purging the resulting solution with an inert gas; (3) sealing the reaction vessel and pressurizing it by addition of an inert gas to a pressure of from about 20 to about 600 kilopascals over ambient atmospheric pressure; (4) maintaining the temperature within the pressurized reaction vessel at a temperature of from about 50 to about 100 DEG C. for a period of from about 60 to about 300 minutes; (5) thereafter maintaining the temperature within the pressurized reaction vessel at a temperature of from about 80 to about 115 DEG C. for a period of from about 30 to about 300 minutes, wherein the temperature in step (5) is higher than the temperature in step (4); and (6) subsequently maintaining the temperature within the pressurized reaction vessel at a temperature of from about 115 to about 160 DEG C. for a period of from about 30 to about 180 minutes, wherein the temperature in step (6) is higher than the temperature in step (5). Polymers prepared according to the process of the present invention can be particularly useful in migration imaging members.