Britannica AI Icon

gas-phase polymerization

chemistry

Quick Summary

Gas-phase polymerization is an industrial method used for gaseous monomers like ethylene and vinyl chloride. In this process, the monomer is introduced under pressure into a reaction vessel containing an initiator. Polymerization begins as monomer molecules attach to growing polymer chains. The final product is a granular solid. This method is one of five basic techniques for industrial polymerization, alongside bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion polymerization. Unlike exothermic addition polymerization reactions, which can generate dangerous heat, gas-phase polymerization focuses on managing the reaction of gaseous monomers to produce solid polymers.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.