autopolymerization
nounUK /ˌɔː.təʊˌpɒl.ɪ.mə.raɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ · US /ˌɔ.toʊˌpɑl.ɪ.mɚ.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
Etymology From auto- + polymerization.
1
Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A chemical reaction in which a monomer undergoes polymerization spontaneously, often due to environmental factors such as heat, light, or inherent instability.
- It is usually necessary to protect the purified monomers from autopolymerization in storage. The inhibitor used for this purpose is removed by distillation or washing.1974 March, Development Document for Effluent Limitations Guidelines and New Source Performance Standards for the Synthetic Resins Segment of the Plastics and Synthetic Materials Manufacturing Point Source Category, Washington, D.C. 20460: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, page 25: