Copolymers of 4-(4?-chlorocinnamoyl)phenyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate: Synthesis, characterization and determination of reactivity ratios

Abstract

4-(4′-Chlorocinnamoyl)phenyl methacrylate (CCPMA) was synthesized and copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) in methyl ethyl ketone at 60°C using benzoyl peroxide as a free radical initiator. The copolymers were characterized by UV, IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The compositions of copolymers were determined by 1H-NMR analysis. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined using the Finemann-Ross (r1 = 2.18 and r2 = 0.72) and Kelen-Tüdös (r1 = 2.11 and r2 = 0.72) methods. The molecular weights (Mw and Mn ) of the copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the copolymers reveal that the thermal stability of the copolymers decreases with an increase in the mol fraction of MMA in the copolymers. Glass transition temperatures of the copolymers were found to increase with an increase in the mol fraction of CCPMA in the copolymers. The photo reactivities of the copolymers were investigated as thin films. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 78: 1412–1418, 2000