What are the Steps Involved in Chain Growth Mechanism?
The chain growth mechanism typically involves three main steps: initiation, propagation, and termination.
1. Initiation: The process begins with the generation of an active species, often a free radical, cation, or anion, formed through the action of an initiator. This active species reacts with a monomer to form the first monomer unit of the growing chain.
2. Propagation: During this step, the active center of the growing chain reacts with additional monomer units, incorporating them into the chain one at a time. This step is repeated many times, leading to the growth of the polymer chain.
3. Termination: The chain growth process ends when the active center of the polymer chain is deactivated. This can occur through various mechanisms, such as combination, disproportionation, or reaction with an impurity.
