The monomers of P30 were first synthesized. Tri-n-butyltin methacrylate prepared according to Montermoso et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,016,369. Uninhibited methacrylic acid (37.8 ml, 0.444 mole) and tri-n-butyltin oxide (112.5 ml, 0.222 mole) were reacted in 200 of dischloromethane. Upon refluxing for 1 hour, 4.5 ml of water were collected azeotropically. After the reaction was completed, the solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The product ester was a yellow transparent liquid. The monomers were then copolymerized in a 1-liter, 3-necked flask equipped with a reflux condenser, a thermometer, such that it read the temperature of the reactants, and a mechanical stirrer. Tri-n-butyltin methacrylate (50 grams, 0.140 mole), uninhibited methyl methacrylate (50 grams, 0.580 mole), and benzoyl peroxide (0.5% by weight) were reacted in 200 ml of benzene. The solution polymerization was allowed to reflux for 8 hours. The resultant polymer was clear and could be cast as a film from the benzene solution.
