Bashir, Z.; Packer, E. J.; Herbert, I. R.; Price, D. M.; Base-induced gelation of polymethacrylonitrile. Polymer 33(2) (1992) 373-378
When strong base was added to a polymethacrylonitrile DMSO solution, gelation occurred. It was proposed that sodium methoxide base induced intermolecular nitrile crosslinking reactions. No evidence for cyclisation was found in base-treated or thermally treated polymethacrylonitrile. The results of dynamic mechanical testing of thermally discoloured polymethacrylonitrile films were more consistent with a slight degree of crosslinking rather than extensive cyclisation.