Vazo™ 64

Vazo™ 64 is an azonitrile-based compound (AIBN) that decomposes when exposed to heat or light to form nitrogen gas and free radical intermediates. Its most common use is as a radical initiator in free radical polymerization reactions to produce polymers with low branching, cross-linking, and polydispersity. Vazo™ 64 is not sensitive to pH, will not undergo redox reactions, and can be mixed with several other initiators without undergoing radical-induced decomposition.

In addition, Vazo™ 64 generates free radicals that do not abstract hydrogen from growing polymer chains, giving chemists more control over the polymerization reaction and the polymer’s final structure and molecular weight. Vazo™ 64 is generally safer than organic peroxide initiators and can produce polymer structures with higher specificity.

Like other Vazo™ grades, the number in the grade name indicates the 10-hour half-life temperature. Therefore, Vazo™ 64 has a 10-hour half-life in solution at 64°C and is recommended for polymerizations that occur at 45°C–90°C. However, it is possible to use it outside of this range. Vazo™ 64 should be transported and stored away from light, flames, and ignition sources at a maximum of 24°C to ensure product quality and safety.