\pә-▐räk-▐sīd\ n [ISV] (1804) A polymerization initiator containing at least one pair of oxygen atoms bonded by a single covalent bond. Organic peroxides, analogous to H2O2 in which either or both of the H atoms have been replaced by organic radicals, are thermally unstable and are widely used as initiators in polymerizations. As they decompose, they form free two free radicals that can initiate polymerization reactions and effect crosslinking. A hydroperoxide provides only one free radical available for initiation. The rate of decomposition can be controlled by means of promoters or accelerators or by inhibitors when it is desired to slow the rate. Peroxides are used to cure thermosetting resins. (Odian GC (2004) Principles of polymerization. Wiley, New York; Whittington’s dictionary of plastics. Carley James F (ed). Technomic, 1993)
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this entry
Cite this entry
Gooch, J.W. (2011). Peroxide. In: Gooch, J.W. (eds) Encyclopedic Dictionary of Polymers. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6247-8_8594
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6247-8_8594
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-6246-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-6247-8
eBook Packages: Chemistry and Materials ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics