The irradiation of vinyl monomers in the presence of paraffin waxes

Abstract

synopsisThe radiation-induced grafting of a series of monomers onto a wide range of paraffin waxes was attempted. Although no grafting could be achieved and only homopolymers were formed, the rates of homopolymerization were greatly enhanced in the presence of the wax. This phenomenon is ascribed to processes of energy transfer from the irradiated wax to the monomer.