Free Radical Initiators

Organic and inorganic compounds can be used to generate radicals that initiate polymerizations. The two most common classes of initiators are peroxide and azo compounds. Radicals may be generated by thermal or ambient redox conditions. Decomposition rates for some initiators vary with pH and the presence of amines. Additional free radical initiators are given in the Organic Photoinitiators section. Please refer to the Thermal Initiator Decomposition Rate Chart for decomposition rates and half-life times of selected radical initiator products.