Elf Atochem North America, Inc.

Atofina Chemicals, Inc.

Arkema Inc.

Jerome Wicher

Jose A Sanchez

John S Yormick

Kenneth George Malone

John Salvatore Yormick

Jose Sanchez

Enhanced conversion rates are realized in a suspension polymerization process for styrene through the use of peroxide initiators having one hour half life temperatures from 101&deg; to 111&deg; C. are disclosed. Also disclosed are suitable initiator combinations which provide polymeric products with low residual monomer content at reduced process temperatures, polymerizable compositions containing such initiators and products produced by such processes and compositions.

Preparation of expandable styrene polymers

Poly(monoperoxycarbonates) of the structure: ##STR1## where R, R.sup.1 and n are defined in the summary of the invention such as 1,1,1-tris(t-butylperoxycarbonyloxymethyl)ethane, intermediates for their preparation as well as processes for their preparation and use are disclosed. The monoperoxycarbonate compounds are useful in initiating the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, particularly styrene, curing of unsaturated polyester resins, and in modifying the molecular weight of polymers such as by crosslinking or controlled chain degradation.

Poly(monoperoxycarbonates)

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Collegeville, PA, United States of America

Jerome Wicher