Photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate using dimethylaniline-nitrobenzene complex as the photoinitiator

Photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate was studied at 40° using dimethylaniline (DMA)—nitrobenzene (NB) C.T. complex as photoinitiator. R_p is proportional to ([DMA] [NB])^0.24 and [M]^1.0. Initiation of polymerization takes place through radicals generated by photodecomposition of DMA—NB complex formed in situ. Evidence for incorporation of N-methylanilonomethyl end-groups in the polymers was obtained by u.v. spectral analysis. The nonideal kinetics are explained in terms of significant participation of the initiating species in chain termination via degradative chain transfer.