The kinetics of radical polymerization of ethylene. II. Determination of the kinetic coefficients

By the method of intermittent illumination, the kinetic coefficients for monoradical termination, mutual termination, and propagation at 83°C. have been evaluated. It has been found that monoradical termination is caused by azoisopropane only. The rate of initiation has been determined both by the molecular weight method and by the inhibitor technique. From the comparison of results, it follows that the predominating termination reaction is disproportionation. The values of the kinetic coefficients are: Propagation k2 = (4.7 ± 0.3) × 102 1./mole‐sec. mutual termination k3 = (1.05 ± 0.05) × 109 1./mole‐sec. monoradical termination k5 = l.85 × 102 1./mole‐sec. transfer with monomer k4 = 0.25 l./mole‐sec. transfer with benzene kS = 1.0 l./mole‐sec.