| abstract |
A process for the manufacture of radical ethylene terpolymers or copolymers comprising moieties derived from an alkyl (meth)acrylate and/or moieties derived from maleic anhydride by copolymerizing, in the presence of at least one free-radical initiator, a mixture of ethylene, (meth)acrylate and/or maleic anhydride in a device comprising a primary compressor, the delivery pressure of which is between 200 and 300 bars, connected to a secondary compressor which is connected directly to a polymerization reactor, fresh ethylene being fed at the intake of the said primary compressor and said copolymerization being carried out in the said polymerization reactor under a pressure of between 1,000 and 2,500 bars and at a temperature of between 140° and 280° C., wherein the feeding of the (meth)acrylate and/or maleic anhydride into the reactor if effected by introducing maleic anhydride and/or (meth)acrylate at the intake of the secondary compressor. In the case of terpolymers, maleic anhyride is introduced as a solution in the (meth)acrylate. n The process of the invention has the advantage of not requiring a homogenization device before the entry of the monomers into the reactor. |