Copolymers of N-vinylcarbazole and N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate

Abstract

Copolymers of N-vinylcarbazole (NVC) and N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were prepared by free-radical polymerization in a toluene solution at 60°C using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The reactivity ratios of both monomers were calculated using the extended Kelen-Tudős method and found to be r1 = 0.441 ± 0.052 and r2 = 1.632 ± 0.102. The microstructure of copolymer chains is described on the basis of first-order Markov statistics. The microstructure of copolymers was also studied by UV and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Copolymers were characterized by viscocity and number-average molecular weight (M¯n) measurements. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the copolymers were determined calorimetrically and the variation of Tg with the copolymer composition is discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 1815–1824, 1997