Vinyl chloride polymerization process

Abstract

Vinyl chloride is polymerized by suspension or homogenized dispersion polymerization using a free radical-yielding initiator in which 0.02% by weight, based on the weight of vinyl chloride, of at least one .alpha.-olefin having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms is added to the vinyl chloride either (a) prior to the start of polymerization in the case of homogenized dispersion polymerization, or (b) prior to the start of or during the polymerization, but in any event before the onset of autoacceleration in the case of suspension polymerization. The disclosed process avoids or reduces the tendency of the vinyl chloride to undergo autoacceleration during the polymerization.Preferably the amount of .alpha.-olefin employed is 0.03% to 0.075% by weight, particularly 0.03% to 0.06% by weight. The .alpha.-olefin preferably contains 8 to 20 carbon atoms; suitable .alpha.-olefins include octene-1, nonene-1, decene-1, dodecene-1, tetradecene-1, hexadecene-1, octadecene-1, and eicosene-1.

Description