Free radical polymerization is a type of chain reaction process where monomers (single units) join together to form long chains of polymers. This occurs through the initiation, propagation, and termination steps.
Initiation begins with the creation of free radicals, often achieved by adding a radical initiator (like peroxides or azo compounds) to the monomer. These initiators break down under certain conditions, creating free radicals, which then react with monomers, initiating the polymerization process.
In the propagation step, the free radicals generated in initiation react with monomers, causing them to join and form longer chains of polymers. This process continues as more monomers react with these radicals, extending the polymer chains.
Termination occurs when two radicals combine, stopping the chain growth. This can happen through various reactions, such as the combination of two growing chains or a radical reacting with another molecule, halting further polymerization.
