Polymerisation by Addition Reactions

The peroxides act as initiators and the formation of radicals can be illustrated as follows  

The addition polymerisation reactions follow a three-stage standard reaction -initiation, propagation and termination. 

Initiation reactions are usually started by an active free radical such as peroxide (-0-0-), e.g. benzoyl peroxide is a good inititator for the free radical addition polymerisation of styrene to produce polystyrene AICI3 is an initiator for the cationic addition polymerisation of isobutylene to form isobutyl synthetic rubber or azobisiso-butyronitrile compounds (-N=N-) (abbreviated to AIBN). Propagation reactions are the continuing process and, eventually, lead to the termination stage that occurs by combination or disproportionation. This usually occurs when the free radicals combine with themselves and signals the end of the polymerisation process. All polymers formed by this process are thermoplastics. Table 4.1 is a list of common polymers prepared by the addition process. 

Chloroethene Poly(chloroethene) Poly(vinyl chloride) 

---