Abstract

Butyl methacrylate colloids were obtained by codeposition at 77 K of the monomer with several metals such as Au, Pd, Cu, Ag, Zn, Cd, Al, Ga, In, Ge, Sn, Sb and Bi. The colloids were polymerized with different amounts of initiator (AIBN) at 65°C for 30 min and a wide range of viscosity average molecular weights (Mv, 103–105) were obtained depending upon the metal used. The metal colloid concentration and stability are reported. The thermal stability and metal composition are also described. The polymers are stable even at 290°C, Pd-poly(n-butyl methacrylates) being the most stable. The metal content is ranging between 0.01 and 0.66%. Polymers with different colors were obtained depending on the metal used.