Polymer Initiators

Decomposition Products

Another parameter to consider for selection of organic peroxide for polymerization initiation is the nature of the decomposition products. These decomposition products may remain in the polymer, resulting in undesirable properties such as:

• Poor organoleptic performances
• Yellowing
• Low weathering performances

Peroxide family	Main decomposition products
Peroxyesters	CO2, carboxylic acids, acetone, alkanes, tButyl alcohol
Diacyl peroxides	CO2, carboxylic acids, alkanes
Peroxydicarbonates	CO2, alcohols
Monoperoxycarbonates	CO2, alcohols, acetone, alkanes
Peroxyketals	CO2, tButyl alcohol, acetone, alkanes, cyclohexanones
Dialkyl peroxides	alcohols, ketones, alkanes
Hydroperoxides	ketones, alcohols, alkanes

The table above shows the main decomposition products of major peroxide families.