Question

What order of the rate dependence would be expected in a suspension polymerization initially? Why might the rate change abruptly after 5% - 20% conversion?

Answer 1

Initially in the suspension polymerization which is essentially bulk polymerization which is taking place in the droplets, but since the droplets are small & tiny , rapid increase in the reaction rates which can be tolerated without boiling the monomer and this will affects the order of the rate dependence and also agitation might be the critical factor because as the viscosity increases within the bead ,which suddenly increases the reaction rate ( Tromsdoiff effect ). This may leads to a heat generation which changes the rate abruptly after 5%- 20% conversion. As increase in temperature increases the rate of reaction.