Anionic polymerization of ε-caprolactam, 63. Catalysis by potassium-graphite intercalate

The overall rate constants of the isothermal bulk polymerization of ε‐caprolactam were determined for the non‐activated polymerization with a heterogeneous catalyst (KC24) and a homogeneous catalyst (potassium ε‐caprolactamate), and also for the corresponding polymerizations activated with N‐benzoyl‐ε‐caprolactam. In comparison to the homogeneous catalysis, the non‐activated polymerizations with KC24 are slower, proceed with an induction period and give polyamide with a low molecular weight that does not diminish when the polymerization approaches equilibrium.