Abstract
Polymerization of vinyl monomer was carried out by using peroxybenzoic acid as an initiator. Styrene showed almost no polymerization. This was due to rapid decomposition of peroxybenzoic acid in styrene. Methyl methacrylate showed good polymerization. Acrylonitrile showed very good polymerization while vinyl acetate showed almost no polymerization. The rate of decomposition of peroxybenzoic acid in methyl methacrylate at 20-30°C was proportional to its concentration. Polymerization of methyl methacrylate was carried out by using peroxybenzoic acid and benzoyl peroxide, respectively, as an initiator. Both gave higher polymerization degree at 30°C. A polymer of low degree of polymerization was prepared by using peroxybenzoic acid as an initiator and its ultraviolet absorption was estimated. The presence of benzoyloxy group as a terminal group seemed to be certain. Since the polymerization of methyl methacrylate by peroxybenzoic acid was completely inhibited by the presence of oxygen or p-benzoquinone, this was considerd to be a radical polymerization.
