Free radical polymerization depends on the initiator you choose. For aqueous, emulsion, suspension, or water-containing polymerization systems, initiator selection should account for reaction temperature, solubility in the relevant phase, monomer system, and process design.
Vazo™ water-soluble free radical initiators from Chemours are available through ChemPoint for aqueous polymerization systems. The relevant water-soluble grades are Vazo™ 56 WSP and Vazo™ 68 WSP, each identified by its approximate 10-hour half-life at a given temperature.
Vazo™ initiators are substituted azonitrile compounds used as thermal initiators in free radical polymerization. Chemours states that Vazo™ initiators decompose thermally to generate free radicals and nitrogen gas. These free radicals initiate polymerization by reacting with vinyl monomers and propagating polymer chain growth.
ChemPoint positions Vazo™ initiators for applications where manufacturers need high-molecular-weight polymers and a more predictable polymer structure, especially where reduced branching or cross-linking is desired.
Compared with many peroxide initiators, azo-derived radicals are generally less prone to hydrogen abstraction from growing polymer chains, which can help reduce chain-transfer reactions, branching, and cross-linking under suitable process conditions.
ChemPoint states that Vazo™ grade selection is primarily based on reaction temperature and solubility in the reaction medium. For reactions with water, ChemPoint recommends Vazo™ 56 WSP and Vazo™ 68 WSP.
Product |
10-Hour Half-Life Temperature |
Solubility Positioning |
|---|---|---|
Vazo™ 56 WSP |
56°C |
Water-soluble grade |
Vazo™ 68 WSP |
68°C |
Soluble in water and organic solvents |
The number in the Vazo™ grade name indicates the approximate 10-hour half-life temperature under specified test conditions. This helps manufacturers align initiator selection with the polymerization process operating temperature.
Vazo™ initiators are used in bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion polymerizations. ChemPoint also describes Vazo™ grades as available across low- to high-reaction-temperature ranges, with both solvent-soluble and water-soluble varieties.
For the water-soluble grades, the main fit is aqueous polymerization. ChemPoint describes Vazo™ 56 WSP as a water-soluble free radical initiator designed for polymerization processes in aqueous environments.
ChemPoint also lists Vazo™ 56 WSP as water-soluble for use in emulsion polymerizations. Vazo™ 68 WSP is identified in ChemPoint’s Vazo™ grade overview as water-soluble; it is reported as compatible with selected organic solvent systems.
Initiator performance depends on the reaction conditions. ChemPoint notes that reaction temperature typically depends on the monomer used, while solubility in the reaction medium is critical to polymerization efficiency. Final grade selection should also consider monomer chemistry, pH, surfactant system, desired initiation phase, polymer morphology, residuals, and safety/storage requirements.
Therefore, choose between Vazo™ 56 WSP and Vazo™ 68 WSP based on the reaction temperature, the presence of water, and the required solubility profile. Vazo™ 56 WSP provides a water-soluble option with a 56°C 10-hour half-life temperature, while Vazo™ 68 WSP provides a higher-temperature option with solubility in water and organic solvents.
ChemPoint offers Vazo™ 56 WSP and Vazo™ 68 WSP from Chemours for polymerization processes where water is present.
Talk to our experts to compare Vazo™ water-soluble grades, request product information, or identify the right initiator for your aqueous polymerization process.
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