Bulk polymerization

The bulk polymerization, also called mass polymerization or bulk polymerization, a polymerization of monomers without an additional solvent. Only an initiator is usually added to the monomer, thereby obtaining a very pure polymer without purification or separation ( at complete conversion ). The discharge of the produced in this reaction exothermic heat of reaction is problematic under certain circumstances. By increasing the viscosity during the reaction, the Trommsdorff effect can occur.

There are two different variants of the bulk polymerization. The polymer dissolves in the monomer, then there is a Substanzlösungspolymerisation. In Substanzfällungspolymerisation the polymer precipitates, however.