koinitiator
A koinitiator is a substance that, when added to a monomer system, enhances the rate or efficiency of polymerization that is initiated by another substance, the primary initiator. Koinitiators typically do not initiate polymerization on their own under the reaction conditions. Their role is to participate in a redox reaction or some other chemical process with the primary initiator or its decomposition products, generating a greater concentration of active species, such as free radicals or ions, that can then initiate polymerization.
In free radical polymerization, common koinitiators include reducing agents. For example, in redox initiation systems, a
The concept of a koinitiator is also relevant in other polymerization mechanisms, including cationic and anionic