X-Ray Induced Polymerization of Gaseous Vinyl Chloride. Effect of Additives

Abstract

The X-ray induced polymerization in the gas phase of pure vinyl chloride and of its mixtures with O2, NO, SF6, NH3, CH3NH2, H2O, HCl, and C2H2 were examined. About 75% of the polymerization proceeds via a radical mechanism. The experiments indicate that most of the additives are deactivating chain transfer agents. Gel permeation chromatography showed that the polymer is activated by X-ray absorption during the time it takes to fall to the bottom of the irradiation cell, and forms a branched polymer.