Radical polymerization

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009856",
  "term": "Radical polymerization",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A chain polymerization in which free radicals carry the growing chain from one monomer addition to the next. A radical generated by an initiator such as a peroxide or an azo compound adds to a monomer (initiation), the chain end adds further monomers (propagation), and two radicals eventually destroy each other by combination or disproportionation (termination). Polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride) and low-density polyethylene are made this way.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "chain polymerization"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2287. 'Glossary of basic terms in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2308 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122287)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/radical-polymerization/"
}