A new water-soluble amphiphilic polyperoxide (APP) based on alternating copolymer poly(1-octene-co-maleic anhydride) and tert-butylperoxymethanol has been synthesized. Kinetic parameters of APP peroxide groups decomposition are determined to show APP capability to initiate radical polymerization. A "grafting to" approach was used for the modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex with APP macromolecules. The covalent attachment of the APP to the surface of PMMA particles is found to be beneficial in enhancing latex aggregative stability. At the same time, the emulsifying capability of APP has been observed during the emulsion polymerization of styrene. Furthermore, because they are able to decompose at elevated temperatures. APP peroxide groups generate free radicals initiating the polymerization. To this end, it can be concluded that the new amphiphilic polyperoxide possesses properties of an inisurf (initiator-surfactant), opening new experimental pathways for interface modification processes. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.