A new class of transparent polymeric materials. II. Synthesis and properties of poly(N-cyclohexylmaleimide-alt-isobutene) modified with lauryl methacrylate

Abstract

Transparent polymeric materials with high heat resistance and low water absorption were designed based on the alternating copolymers of N-substituted maleimide (RMI) with isobutene (IB). The N-substituent of the maleimide significantly affected the glass transition temperature (Tg) and water absorption of the copolymers. Poly(N-cyclohexylmaleimide-alt-JB) [poly(CHMI-IB)] showed a Tg value as high as 192°C and relatively low water absorption. Furthermore, the incorporation of a small amount of lauryl methacrylate in the copolymers was confirmed to reduce the water absorption of the copolymer drastically, although it decreased the Tg of the copolymers at the same time. Poly(CHMI-IB), containing 4 mol % lauryl methacrylate, showed a good balance of excellent transparency, high heat resistance, acceptable mechanical properties, and low water absorption. The heat deflection temperature was as high as 141°C. The water absorption at 23°C after immersion for 14 days was 0.56% and the dimensional change after 7 days was 0.06%. They are half and one-quarter of those of poly(methyl methacrylate), respectively. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.