Polymerization of methyl methacrylate by catalyzed peroxide decomposition without applied heat

The exotherm for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate was monitored by a simple thermal technique to gain useful information about the effect of several factors on the polymerization rate and the degree of completion. All reactions were begun at room temperature (24°C) and no external heating was provided. Initiation was by decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (and mixtures with lauroyl peroxide) catalyzed by the accelerator N,N‐dimethyl‐ p ‐toluidine. Specific factors examined were peroxide and accelerator levels, sample size, peroxide combinations, and crosslinking agents. The results are discussed in terms of the stoichiometry of the initiator system; the balance of heat generation, heat capacity, and heat loss; and the autoacceleration effect.