Bulk polymerization
Bulk polymerization or mass polymerization is carried out by adding a soluble radical initiator to pure monomer in liquid state. The initiator should dissolve in the monomer. The reaction is initiated by heating or exposing to radiation. As the reaction proceeds the mixture becomes more viscous. The reaction is exothermic and a wide range of molecular masses are produced.
Bulk polymerization is carried out in the absence of any solvent or dispersant and is thus the simplest in terms of formulation. It is used for most step-growth polymers and many types of chain-growth polymers. In the case of chain-growth reactions, which are generally exothermic, the heat evolved may cause the reaction to become too vigorous and difficult to control unless efficient cooling is used. Bulk polymerization has several advantages over other methods, these advantages are :
- The system is simple and requires thermal insulation.
- The polymer obtained is pure.
- Large castings may be prepared directly.
- Molecular weight distribution can be easily changed
- The product obtained has high optical clarity
Disadvantages :
- Heat transfer and mixing become difficult as the viscosity of reaction mass increases.
- The problem of heat transfer is compounded by the highly exothermic nature of free radical addition polymerization.
- The polymerization is obtained with a broad molecular weight distribution due to the high viscosity and lack of good heat transfer.
- Very low molecular weights are obtained.
- Gel effect.
For reducing the disadvantages of bulk polymerization, the process can be carried out in a solution. This is known as solution polymerization.