Electropolymerisation of methyl methacrylate on carbon fibre surfaces

The electroinitiated polymerisation of methyl methacrylate containing sulphuric acid was found to be localised at the surface of a cathode of carbon fibre. The influences of various reaction parameters on the rate of polymerisation and the molecular weight have been recorded but do not agree totally with classical free radical electropolymerisations. The behaviour of molecular weight and evidence of post-polymerisation suggest the existence of living polymer radicals. It is argued that atomic hydrogen is responsible for initiation of the polymerisation.