suspension polymerization

In suspension polymerization, the monomer gets dispersed in a liquid, such as water. Mechanical agitation keeps the monomer dispersed.

Initiators should be soluble in the monomer. Stabilizers, such as talc or polyvinyl alcohol, prevent polymer chains from adhering to each other and keep the monomer dispersed in the liquid medium. The final polymer appears in a granular form. Suspension polymerization produces polymers more pure than those from solution polymerization due to the absence of chain transfer reactions. As in a solution polymerization, the dispersing liquid helps control the reaction’s heat.