Polymerization processes and polymer compositions

A polymerization process which comprises the steps of introducing a polymerizable monomer into an alkyl ammonium nitrate fused salt of the formula ##STR4## wherein R.sup.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, said alkyl ammonium nitrate having a melting point of up to about 125.degree. C., and effecting polymerization of said monomer.

An interfacial condensation polymerization process which comprises the steps of dissolving a first difunctional monomer which is capable of undergoing condensation polymerization in an alkyl ammonium nitrate fused salt of the formula ##STR5## wherein R.sup.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, said alkyl ammonium nitrate having a melting point of up to about 125.degree. C.;

• dissolving a second difunctional monomer capable of condensing with said first difunctional monomer in an organic solvent which is immiscible with said alkyl ammonium nitrate;
• and contacting the resultant solutions to effect condensation polymerization of said first and second monomers at the interface of said solutions.

A composition comprising a polymer and an alkyl ammonium nitrate of the formula ##STR6## wherein R.sup.1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each independently hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, said alkyl ammonium nitrate having a melting point of up to 125.degree. C., wherein said polymer is swollen by said alkyl ammonium nitrate.