bulkkipolymerisaatio

Bulk polymerization, also known as mass polymerization, is a method of synthesizing polymers by directly converting monomers into polymer within a reactor. In this process, the monomer itself acts as the solvent. The reaction is initiated by heat, light, or a chemical initiator. As the polymerization proceeds, the viscosity of the reaction mixture increases significantly, which can lead to challenges in heat transfer and mixing. This increase in viscosity also makes it difficult to remove the heat generated by the exothermic polymerization reaction, potentially causing thermal runaway and affecting the polymer's properties. Despite these challenges, bulk polymerization offers the advantage of producing a pure polymer product, free from solvents or diluents. It is often used for producing transparent plastics, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) for acrylic sheets, and for casting resins. Controlling the reaction temperature and managing the increasing viscosity are key considerations for successful bulk polymerization.