Frontal dispersion of polymerization

Abstract

Frontal polymerization is a mode of converting monomer into polymer via a localized reaction zone that propagates through the coupling of thermal diffusion and Arrheius reaction kinetics. The frontal polymerization through a dispersion allows the preparation of thermoplastic polymers without the appearance of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Different cases were described when frontal polymerization can be observed under moderate pressures. The first case is crosslinking monomers. The second case in insoluble polymer particles that can withstand the buoyancy force. The third case includes all highly reactive monomers that produce thermoplastic polymers which are molten at the front temperature.