Mass spectrometric study on plasma reactions of methyl methacrylate-styrene mixtures

Gas phase plasma reactions of various styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) mixtures have been studied by the use of a mass spectrometer. The effects of rf power and composition of mixture on initial rates of consumption and on the reaction products have been investigated. The results indicate that St has a catalytic effect on the gas phase plasma polymerization of MMA. Whereas MMA has an inhibiting effect on St gas phase plasma polymerization. Decomposition of monomers, at all compositions and rf powers studied, has been also detected.