On principal approximations in theory of frontal radical polymerization of vinyl monomers

The principal approximations used in the theory of frontal polymerization of vinyl monomers are considered and quantitative estimates of their applicability are given. It is shown that stationary state is met with rather high accuracy under frontal radical polymerization conditions. The effect of the polymer–monomer equilibrium on the limiting temperature of the thermal polymerization autowaves and on the degree of conversion is considered. The temperature and conversion profiles for narrow and broad reaction zones are analyzed and the results of studies on the derivation and use of criterial conditions for the principle of quasi-stationary concentrations in theory of frontal radical polymerization are discussed.