Initiator BK is a chemical additive that initiates polymerization reactions and retards peroxide reactions.

Initiator BK is a tetraphenylethane derivative in which the central carbon-carbon bond is weakened by the steric pressure of the bulky substituents. When Initiator BK is heated, this C-C bond splits into radicals endothermally (with absorption of energy), a process which is reversible. In contrast to this, the peroxides and azo compoundscommonly used to initiate polymerization  ecompose into radicals exothermally and in a self-accelerating manner, a  rocess which is irreversible. Under unfavorable conditions, heating the initiator to above its starting temperature or mechanical impact may cause explosions. The use of Initiator BK poses no such risk to safety. When heated, the product decomposes in a controlled manner into the radicals which trigger  olymerization. In addition, the decomposition behaviour of Initiator BK, unlike that of peroxides, is hardly affected at all by the catalytic action of inorganic compounds such as rust.

Business Unit : Functional Chemicals

Areas of Applications

• Polymer auxiliaries
• Polymers

Synonyms

• Oligomeric silyl ether of benzopinacol preparation