Homopolymerisation inhibitors

Homopolymerisation is the most undesired phenomenon associated with surface grafting and has remained the main drawback of the radiation-induced grafting systems. During the last two and a half-decades, different homopolymerisation inhibitors [192, 193, 194] have been employed in various grafting systems and their efficiencies evaluated. Some of the latest developments in improving the grafting efficiency and reducing associated homopolymerisation are presented herewith. 

The industrial manufacturing process for cyanoacrylate monomers is designed to generate pure organic compounds free of metals. The prepared monomer is functionally very reactive and is polymerised by several mechanisms of which the most common is by anionic methods. In most applications the initiation is usually carried out by the nucleophilic contaminant (water or moisture) found on most surfaces. These adhesives differ from other adhesives in that they are monofunctional and can homopolymerise rapidly at room temperature. A number of modifiers have been added to impart a range of desired properties and these include stabilisers, inhibitors, thickeners, plasticisers, tracers, colorants and preservatives. 

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