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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: BobbyDukes on May 13, 2021, 06:47:31 PM

Title: Polyethyl Methacrylate Question
Post by: BobbyDukes on May 13, 2021, 06:47:31 PM
During my lab I synthesized PMMA but noticed it to be pretty waxy and non-scratch resistant. What is the chemical nature of the monomer that makes the polymer like this? Any inter or intramolecular forces that come into play? It was synthesized using benzoyl peroxide and methyl methacrylate.
Title: Re: Polyethyl Methacrylate Question
Post by: Borek on May 14, 2021, 02:33:45 AM
Perhaps not enough initiator?

You start with a liquid monomer, and depending on the degree of polymerization you can produce any intermediate state between a liquid and a hard solid.