Structure and properties of poly(benzyl acrylate) synthesized under microwave energy

Benzyl acrylate was polymerized under microwave irradiation using radical initiation (benzoyl peroxide, BP). The effect of the concentration of BP and power irradiation on the conversion, average molecular weights and the polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) were investigated. The 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra analysis showed tendency to syndiotacticity and branched polymers were obtained at high conversion of reactions. A significant enhancement of the rates of polymerization and similar thermodynamic behavior, as compared with those obtained under thermal conditions was found.