Process for manufacturing ethylene terpolymers and ethylene copolymers

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 incorporating 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 a temperature of between 140.degree. and 280.degree. C., wherein at least one the alkyl (meth)acrylate and/or maleic anhydride is fed directly into the said polymerization reactor. The process of the invention has the advantage of not requiring a homogenization device before the entry of the monomers into the reactor.