Polymerization process

Claim 1

In the process of suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride in a liquid polymerization mixture within a reactor with from 0 to 20 percent by weight of at least one monomer polymerizable therewith in the presence of activators, stabilizers and auxiliary stabilizers normally used in the suspension polymerization of vinylchloride, the improvement comprising minimizing deposits formed on the walls of the reactor during polymerization by conducting the polymerization in a reactor having inner stainless steel or noble metal surfaces in contact with the polymerization mixture, said stainless steel or noble metal surfaces being connected as an anode, said liquid polymerization medium being in contact with at least one cathode insoluble therein and spaced from said anode, said cathode and anode being connected by an external source of current, applying external voltage to said anode and cathode during polymerization thereby electrolytically generating hydrogen and oxygen in the liquid polymerization mixture at said surfaces, the external voltage being of such magnitude that substantial dissolution of the stainless steel or noble metal surfaces does not occur.