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?
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.
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