page_title: Cationic polymerization
section_title: Ionizing radiation
hierarchical_section_title: Cationic polymerization / Synthesis / Initiation / Ionizing radiation
caption_attribution_description: English: Ionizing radiation initiation for cationic polymerization
context_page_description: Cationic polymerization is a type of chain growth polymerization in which a cationic initiator transfers charge to a monomer which then becomes reactive. This reactive monomer goes on to react similarly with other monomers to form a polymer.
  The types of monomers necessary for cationic polymerization are limited to alkenes with electron-donating substituents and heterocycles. Similar to anionic polymerization reactions, cationic polymerization reactions are very sensitive to the type of solvent used. Specifically, the ability of a solvent to form free ions will dictate the reactivity of the propagating cationic chain.
  Cationic polymerization is used in the production of polyisobutylene and poly.
context_section_description: Ionizing radiation can form a radical-cation pair that can then react with a monomer to start cationic polymerization. Control of the radical-cation pairs are difficult and often depend on the monomer and reaction conditions. Formation of radical and anionic species are often observed.
caption: Initiation using ionizing radiation
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