autopolymerization

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From auto- +‎ polymerization.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˌɔː.təʊˌpɒl.ɪ.mə.raɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌɔ.toʊˌpɑl.ɪ.mɚ.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

Noun

autopolymerization (countable and uncountable, plural autopolymerizations)

  1. (chemistry) A chemical reaction in which a monomer undergoes polymerization spontaneously, often due to environmental factors such as heat, light, or inherent instability.
    • 1974 March, Development Document for Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the Synthetic Resins Segment of the Plastics and Synthetic Materials Manufacturing Point Source Category, Washington, D.C. 20460: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, page 25:
      It is usually necessary to protect the purified monomers from autopolymerization in storage. The inhibitor used for this purpose is removed by distillation or washing.
  2. (dentistry) The process by which an autopolymer hardens.
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