Skin & Nail ServicesQuestion 418 of 484
During an acrylic nail service the monomer (liquid) and polymer (powder) combine because of which reaction, and what role does the initiator (typically benzoyl peroxide) play?
a.An acid-base neutralization; the initiator donates hydrogen ions
b.An emulsion separation; the initiator binds oil and water
c.Saponification; the initiator turns the mixture to soap
d.A polymerization (chain-growth) reaction; the initiator releases free radicals that trigger the monomer molecules to link into a long polymer chain
Explanation
Acrylic nail systems cure by free-radical chain polymerization. Benzoyl peroxide in the polymer powder decomposes to free radicals when it contacts the liquid monomer (ethyl methacrylate in California-legal systems). The radicals attack the monomer's double bond and start a chain reaction that links thousands of monomer units into a hard polymer matrix that traps the polymer beads. California licensees must understand the chemistry well enough to use the product safely under their general sanitation and product-use duties (Bus. & Prof. Code §7320). Options A through C describe entirely different chemistries that do not apply to acrylic nails.
Law Reference: Bus. & Prof. Code §7320Practice all 484 questions free — no signup required.
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