Radio-frequency gas-discharge polymerization of ethylene and acetylene

The results of an experimental study of ethylene and acetylene polymerizations under conditions of high-frequency gas-discharge plasma are described. As established by mass spectroscopy, polymerization of ethylene in a plasma is accompanied by partial dissociation to hydrogen and acetylene which in turn polymerizes. When acetylene is used as monomer, its polymerization is rapid and is not accompanied by dissociation or other side reactions. Acetylene polymerization proceeds entirely in the gas phase to give a dispersed amorphous product with a stoichiometric C:H = 1:1.