ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the free chain polymerization (addition polymerization). Since many synthetic plastics and elastomers and some fibers are prepared by free radical polymerization, this method is important. The chapter emphasizes the use of chemical initiators for the formation of free radicals necessary to begin the free radical polymerization process. Free radical initiation can occur through the application of heat (thermal), ultraviolet and visible light (photochemical), ionizing light, redox reagents, electricity (electrochemical), etc., that is, any process that creates the essential free radicals. Furthermore, the kinetic approaches considered in the chapter are experimentally verified for essentially all typical free radical vinyl polymerizations. The transfer of the free radical to another molecule serves as one of the termination steps for general polymer growth. Chain transfer can also occur with initiator, impurity, solvent, or other additive present in the polymerization system. The chain transfer reaction decreases the average chain length.
