AbstractThe homogeneous redox polymerization of acrylamide by the citric acid/permanganate initiating system was investigated at 35±0,2°C under nitrogen. Variation of the activator concentration in the range of 2,5.10−3to 20,0.10−3mol/dm3had no effect on the rate of polymerization. The initial rate increased with the increasing catalyst concentration and a value of nearly unity of the catalyst exponent confirmed a unimolecular chain termination process. The rate varied linearly with the monomer concentration over a wide range (5,0.10−2to 20,0.10−2mol/dm3). The initial rate increased with the increasing temperature but the maximum conversion showed a decrease as the temperature was raised above 35°C. The energy of activation, in the temperature range of 25 to 45°C, was found to be 55,90kJ/mol (13,36 kcal/mol).The addition of neutral salts, Co(NO3)2, Ni(NO3)2, organic solvents, and complexing agents, all water soluble, reduced the rate and percentage of conversion. The introduction of MnSO4or of more catalyst (at intermediate stages) into the system increased both the rate and limiting