Polymerization of methyl methacrylate and carbonization of poly(methyl methacrylate) in the presence of Mg(ClO4)2

Carbonization of poly(methyl methacrylate), which was prepared by polymerization of methyl methacrylate initiated with 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) in the presence of 0-380 mmol/l of Mg(ClO4)2, has been studied. It was found that Mg(ClO4)2 accelerates both methyl methacrylate polymerization and polymer decomposition at 300-700 °C. The decomposition is accompanied with an increased carbonization. Carbonized samples are paramagnetic; the paramagnetic particle concentration increases with increasing perchlorate concentration and temperature, respectively.