Azo Initiators: Reliable Free-Radical Initiators for Controlled Polymerization

High-performance Azo Initiators designed for predictable free-radical generation, controlled polymerization, and efficient chemical reactions across polymers, plastics, coatings, textiles, and specialty chemical applications.

What Are Azo Initiators?

Azo Initiators are substituted azonitrile compounds that thermally decompose to generate free radicals along with nitrogen gas. Their predictable first-order decomposition makes them effective initiators for controlled free-radical reactions.

They can be used in bulk, solution and suspension polymerization, either independently or alongside other free-radical initiators.

At Lachemi Chemorgs, our Azo Initiators are designed to support efficient and predictable polymerization processes across different operating temperatures and formulation requirements.

Why Choose Azo Initiators?

Predictable Free-Radical Generation

First-order decomposition enables consistent and controlled initiation.

Better Polymerization Control

Lower-energy radicals help minimize excessive branching and cross-linking.

Greater Thermal Stability

More stable than many peroxide initiators, supporting safer and easier handling.

Wide Operating Range

Available in grades suited to different decomposition temperatures and process requirements.

Low Metal Sensitivity

Performance remains reliable in the presence of metal ions, acids, and bases.

Cleaner Polymer Systems

Generate nitrogen without introducing oxygenated or hydrogenated residues, supporting better polymer stability.

Applications of Azo Initiators

Azo Initiators are used across a broad range of polymer and specialty chemical processes.

Polymerization

Used for bulk, solution, suspension and selected emulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, acrylamide, styrene, ethylene, vinyl acetate, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate and unsaturated polyesters.

Cross-Linking & Copolymerization

Used to initiate reactions involved in cross-linking, grafting and copolymerization of vinyl compounds.

Specialty Chemical Reactions

Used in halogenation, oxidation, addition reactions and other free-radical chemical processes.

Chemical Blowing Agents

Used in low-temperature chemical blowing applications, with nitrogen released during decomposition supporting pressure-blown PVC and silicone rubber systems.

Coatings & Polymer Materials

Used in acrylic glass sheets, fibres, paints and coating resins, nonwoven textiles and grafted polyols.

Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical Synthesis

Used in selected pharmaceutical and fine organic synthesis processes, leveraging their free-radical initiation properties.