Radiation-induced post-polymerization of solid acetaldehyde

By using a calorimetric technique, the kinetics of the radiation-induced postpolymerization of solid acetaldehyde is studied. Polymerization occurs without self-acceleration provided that heat-dissipation conditions are sufficient. Under isothermal conditions the process rate decreases in time, although the concentration of active centers remains constant. When temperature increases, postpolymerization renews. The rate increase constant k1(T,O)=5x10-11exp(-6000/RT) cm3s-1 is estimated based on calorimetric measurements of the process rate at temperatures of 120-135 K, and time dependence of rate decrease under isothermal conditions