Kinetics and mechanism of bulk polymerization of vinyl chloride

Abstract

The main characteristics of the mechanism and kinetics of hetero-phase bulk (suspension) polymerization of vinyl chloride (VC) were defined. A critical analysis was made of literature data concerning bulk polymerization of VC, from which it was concluded that the kinetics of this process have not been quantitatively described in the literature. A kinetic equation was first derived which accurately involved the radical exchange between the monomer and polymer phases. By analysing the equation several experimental facts observed in polymerization kinetics were explained. Theoretical conclusions were compared with experimental results and satisfactory agreement established over a wide range of variation of conditions of polymerization. From literature results and results of this study temperature relations were established between rate constants of kinetic chain extension, rupture and transfer for bulk polymerization of VC.