Polymerisation Inhibitors

Polymerization inhibitors are reactive molecules that react with extending polymer chains. They are used to stabilize monomers and prevent light, heat and air from initiating polymerization.

Polymerization inhibitors are functional additives that are essential for safe storage and processing of monomers.

Adding small amounts of inhibitors can stop the polymerization chain reaction or slow its rate significantly.

Some common polymerization inhibitors include hydroquinones and nitrosamines. However, traditional polymerization inhibitors, such as hydroquinone, cannot prevent polymerization under certain conditions.

Free radical polymerization of unsaturated monomers usually propagates via C-radicals, and these can inhibit polymerization by combining with other free radicals to form neutral species. TINTOLL stable free radicals include 4-Hydroxy TEMPO, 4-oxo-TEMPO, Tri-(4-Hydroxy-TEMPO) Phosphite, and Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl-1-oxyl) Sebacate, they are very effective free radical scavengers.