Synthesis, spectral properties, and thermal properties of homo- and copolymers of 3,5-dimethylphenyl acrylate with glycidyl methacrylate and determination of reactivity ratios

Abstract

The new acrylic monomer, 3,5-dimethylphenyl acrylate, was synthesized by reacting 3,5-dimethylphenol dissolved in ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) with acryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. The homopolymer and copolymers of different feed compositions of 3,5-dimethylphenyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate were synthesized using free radical polymerization in ethyl methyl ketone solution at 70 ± 1°C using benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The molecular weight (M̄nand M̄w) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatograph. The glass transition temperatures of the polymers were determined by differential scanning calorimeter. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers was performed in air. The solubilities of the polymers were tested in various polar and nonpolar solvents. Copolymer compositions were determined using 1H-NMR spectra. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by the application of conventional linearization methods such as Fineman–Ross, Kelen–Tüdös, and extended Kelen–Tüdös. The peel strength of the leather adhesives prepared from the copolymers was also determined. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2261–2270, 2002