Autopolümeriseerumine

Autopolümeriseerumine, also known as spontaneous polymerization, is a chemical process where a substance undergoes polymerization without the introduction of an external initiator. This phenomenon occurs when the molecules of a monomer, or a mixture of monomers, possess inherent reactivity that allows them to link together to form long polymer chains. This intrinsic reactivity can stem from various factors, including the presence of specific functional groups, ring strain in cyclic monomers, or thermal energy sufficient to overcome activation barriers.

While often undesirable, as it can lead to product degradation or uncontrolled reactions, autopolümeriseerumine can sometimes be harnessed for specific applications. The rate of spontaneous polymerization is highly dependent on the chemical structure of the monomer, temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities. Stabilizers are frequently added to monomers during storage and transport to inhibit or significantly slow down this process, preventing premature polymerization. Understanding the conditions that promote or suppress autopolümeriseerumine is crucial in chemical manufacturing and material science to ensure product stability and process safety.