Vapor phase composition and radical polymerization—how the gas phase influences the kinetics of heterophase polymerization

Abstract

The outcome of radical styrene heterophase polymerization depends strongly on the composition of the gas phase. Data of a comprehensive experimental study show that the effect of the gas phase is quite a complex one and strongly influenced by the nature of the gas, the homogeneity or heterogeneity of the polymerization system, and the kind of initiator. Evidence is presented that the influence of air goes beyond the simple action of oxygen which can cause deceleration or acceleration of the reaction. The experimental results show that the optimum polymerization conditions are obtained in the absence of any foreign gas.