Question

The initiator system which can be used for free radical polymerization at 5°C is:

• A. FeSO4 + t-butyl hydroperoxide
• B. Azobisisobutyronitrile
• C. Potassium persulfate
• D. Benzoyl peroxide

Hint:

For low-temperature free radical polymerization, look for initiator systems that can decompose at the desired temperature and generate free radicals efficiently.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

For free radical polymerization, an initiator system is required to generate free radicals at a certain temperature. At lower temperatures, specific initiators that decompose at that temperature are used. At 5°C, FeSO4 combined with t-butyl hydroperoxide is a suitable initiator system. This system is well-known for initiating free radical polymerization at low temperatures like 5°C. Explanation: - FeSO4 acts as a catalyst that activates t-butyl hydroperoxide, causing it to decompose and generate free radicals necessary for the polymerization reaction. - Other options such as Azobisisobutyronitrile, Potassium persulfate, and Benzoyl peroxide require higher temperatures for decomposition and thus are not suitable for 5°C.