RADICAL FRONT POLYMERIZATION IN THE PRESE NCE OF POLYMERIZATION INHIBITOR - THEORETICAL-MODEL

A mathematical model of propagation of reaction front is presented for radical polymerization in the presence of polymerization inhibitor wh en the latter is incompatible with the polymer formed. The model accou nts for the diffusion of the monomer into the layer of polymer gel mov ing together with the reaction front. Using this model we compare the rates of the front and in-volume polymerization reactions occurring un der similar conditions. The difference in the reaction rates is interp reted as being due to the fact that gel effect is more pronounced at f ront polymerization.