Vinyl polymerization. 351. Polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated with α-amylase and copper(II) ion in water

The polymerization of MMA initiated by a system of α-amylase, cupric chloride, and water was carried out. The effects of the amounts of water, copper(II) ion, and MMA on the conversion of MMA were studied. The overall activation energy was estimated to be 55 kJ/mole. Urea, known as a denaturing agent for protein, was found to increase the rate of polymerization and efficiency of grafting onto α-amylase.