Crosslinking Comonomer Research Articles

Structure, Surface Topography, and Glass Transition Temperature of Dental Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Resin Conjugated with 3,9-bisethenyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro [5,5] Undecane as Cross-linker: An In Vitro Research.

To characterize and analyze the structural presentation of a new denture base copolymer with a spiro-acetal cross-linker at 10 and 20 wt.% concentrations by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX) spectroscopies. Also, to evaluate the glass transition temperature (TG) of the new copolymer. The investigational groups G10 and G20 were heat-cured with the new spiro-acetal cross-linker at the above-mentioned concentrations, respectively. The control group G0 was heat-cured without the new cross-linker. Nuclear magnetic resonance and EDX spectroscopies determined the copolymerization along with elemental composition. The surface characteristics were discerned by FESEM. Differential scanning calorimetry was employed to evaluate the TG of the resultant copolymer. Appropriate statistical operations were performed to compare the mean TG of the groups. The new copolymer's structure with the spiro-acetal cross-linker was configured with protons, carbons, aluminum, zirconium, yttrium, and silicon atoms. The TG of the resultant copolymer was high when compared with the G0. The 20 wt.% spiro-acetal cross-linker in the copolymer exhibited the highest TG. The spiro-acetal cross-linking comonomer incorporated in the heat-cure denture polymer produced a new denture base copolymer with elevated TG. The resultant configuration of the new copolymer was characterized, structurally presented, and confirmed. The new copolymer might exhibit augmented strength due to the copolymerized spiro-acetal cross-linker. Moreover, the smooth and regular surface of the copolymer would have minimum or negligible microbial adhesion due to the hydrophobicity of the spiro-acetal comonomer incorporated in the denture base composition. How to cite this article: Ravivarman C, Ajay R, Saatwika L, et al. Structure, Surface Topography, and Glass Transition Temperature of Dental Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Resin Conjugated with 3,9-bisethenyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro [5,5] Undecane as Cross-linker: An In Vitro Research. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(5):486-493.

PH-Responsive Nanogels Generated by Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly of a Succinate-Functional Monomer.

Colloidal nanogels formed from a pH-responsive poly(succinate)-functional core and a poly(sulfonate)-functional corona were prepared via a previously unreported reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT)-mediated aqueous emulsion polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) route. Specifically, a poly(potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) (PKSPMA50) macromolecular chain-transfer agent (macro-CTA) was synthesized via RAFT solution polymerization followed by chain-extension with a hydrophobic, carboxylic acid-functional, 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl succinate (MES) monomer at pH 2. Colloidal nanoparticles with tunable diameters between 66 to 150 nm, depending on the core composition, and narrow particle size distributions were obtained at 20% w/w solids. Well-defined pH-responsive nanogels that swell on increasing the pH could be prepared even without the addition of a cross-linking comonomer, and introducing an additional cross-linker to the core led to smaller nanogels with lower swelling ratios. These nanogels could reversibly change in size on cycling the pH between acidic and basic conditions and remain colloidally stable over a wide pH range and at 70 °C.

Metakrylan 2,3-epoksypropylu (metakrylan glicydylu) Dokumentacja proponowanych dopuszczalnych wielkości narażenia zawodowego

2,3-Epoxypropyl methacrylate (glycidyl methacrylate, GMA) is an organic chemical compound, an ester of methacrylic acid and 2,3-epoxypropan-1-ol. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor. It is used as a co-monomer for the production of epoxy polymers, as an adhesion promoter and cross-linking co-monomer in the production of vinyl and acrylic resins. This substance is on the ACSH (The Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work) priority list for developing a proposal for an EU limit value. So far, no normative values in the air of the working environment have been defined in Poland in regard of 2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate. The MAC value of 0,3 mg/m3 and STEL value of 0,6 mg/m3 have been proposed. The basis for calculating the MAC value was the LOAEC value of 3,55 mg/m3 for the irritation of the nasal epithelium in mice (olfactory epithelium metaplasia). Taking into account the carcinogenicity of GMA and its effect on the skin, the following notations have been proposed: “Carc. 1B” – carcinogenic substance of hazard category 1B, “C” – corrosive substance, “A” – skin sensitizing substance, “Ft” – fetotoxic substance, and “Skin” – skin absorption of the substance may be just as important as for inhalation exposure. There is no basis for setting BEI value.

Emulsion-Templated Monoliths Based on PIM-1 Monomers: Hierarchical Porosity and Dye Adsorption

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) are linear macromolecules from rigid, twisted monomers. PolyHIPEs, macroporous polymer monoliths templated within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), are of interest for adsorption applications. Here, PIM-like linear polymers synthesized within oil-in-oil HIPEs generated powders. However, the addition of a cross-linking comonomer enabled, and was essential for, the generation of monoliths with densities of ∼0.08 g/cm3 and uniform, highly interconnected, open-cell structures. Interestingly, the void diameters strongly depended upon the internal phase, ∼3 μm for silicone oil and ∼52 μm for hexadecane. The unexpectedly flexible polyHIPEs exhibited poor thermal stabilities compared to PIM-1, indicating significant macromolecular differences that originate in the emulsion-templated synthesis and in the cross-linking. While the polyHIPEs synthesized at 80 °C exhibited relatively high specific surface areas (∼154 m2/g), they were far smaller than that of PIM-1. The polyHIPEs adsorbed up to ∼28 mg/g of a cationic dye but only negligible amounts (∼1 mg/g) of an anionic dye. These results demonstrate that hierarchically porous monoliths that may be of interest for adsorption applications can be generated through PIM-like syntheses within HIPEs.

Siloxane-based high solid acrylic latex by mini-emulsion polymerization for coatings with improved water resistance

Water resistance of a coating is an important parameter in its protective nature. Therefore, developing a viable coating formulation for improved water resistance has significant research interest. In this study, we prepared an acrylic latex composed of poly (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate-co-acrylic acid) having high solid content (54–57 %) by mini-emulsion polymerization. Herein, we synthesized a methacrylate-terminated tetrafunctional siloxane monomer (MTS) and used it at 0.5–4.0 wt% as a crosslinking comonomer in the acrylic emulsion formulation. The structural elucidation of MTS was performed by FT-IR, 1H &13C NMR and ESI-MS analysis. The copolymer latexes were characterized in terms of their solid content, particle size and viscosity. All the high solid latexes were stable for months without any coagulum. The analysis of microscopic, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of the air-dried cast films exhibited that the copolymers with MTS had rough surface morphology, high optical transparency (~98 % transmittance), and improved thermal properties and poor mechanical properties. In addition, the films showed improved water resistance as observed from the increased water contact angle from 43.0° (0 % MTS) to 64.2° (1 % MTS) and reduced water absorption from 50 % (0 % MTS) to 18.2 % (1 % MTS). This work focusing on the incorporation of siloxane moieties for improving the water resistance and many other properties of acrylic coatings will make an advancement to develop fluorine-free protective coatings.

In Vitro Cytocompatibility of Dental Restorative Composite Resin Photopolymerized with a Novel Multifunctional Crosslinking Comonomer

In Vitro Cytocompatibility of Dental Restorative Composite Resin Photopolymerized with a Novel Multifunctional Crosslinking Comonomer

Chemical Characterization and Physical Properties of Dental Restorative Composite Resin with a Novel Multifunctional Cross-linking Comonomer

To chemically characterize restorative composite resin polymerized with 20 wt.% and 40 wt.% dipentaerythritol penta-/hexaacrylate (DPEPHA) comonomer. Furthermore, this study aimed to evaluate the conversion degree (DC) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the newly formed copolymer. The trial groups were photo-polymerized with DPEPHA comonomer, whereas the control group was photo-polymerized only with the propriety resin monomers. Infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies were used for establishing copolymerization. The characteristics and composition (mass %) of the surface were explained by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, respectively. The DC and Tg of the resultant copolymers were evaluated through FTIR and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Appropriate statistical tests with corresponding post hoc tests were employed to compare the medians and means of DC and Tg, respectively. The formation of a new copolymer P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) was evident. The DC and Tg of the P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) copolymer were greater than the control. DPEPHA in the copolymer at 40 wt.% concentration showed the highest DC and Tg. DPEPHA comonomer addition leads to the formation of a new P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) copolymer with improved DC and Tg. The novel P(GEU-Co-DPEPHA) copolymer may improve the physico-mechanical and biological properties of the restorative composite resin. This would improve the quality of restoration and its in vivo serviceability, thereby imparting a good living quality to the entailed population.

Histocompatibility of Dental Restorative Composite Resin Photopolymerized with a Novel Multifunctional Comonomer: A Histopathological Analysis in Rats.

Background:Restorative dentistry is impossible without composite resins. Toxicity of these resins is common though possessing favorable properties. Modifications of the resin matrix are being executed to improve the properties of the material. Dipentaerythritol penta-/hexa-acrylate (DPEPHA) monomer has been recently identified as a cross-linking comonomer with the conventional resin matrix.Purpose:This study aimed to investigate the histocompatibility of DPEPHA comonomer in photopolymerized resin at 20 and 40 wt.% concentrations in rats.Materials and Methods:Eighteen male Wister rats were subjected to subcutaneous implantation of conventional resin specimens without DPEPHA (G0) and with DPEPHA at 20 wt.% (G20) and 40 wt.% (G40) concentrations. Then, the rats were subdivided according to the time of resection of the implantation sites at 1, 2, and 4 weeks (n = 6 rats). Tissue specimens were submitted to histopathological analysis.Results:Except for 4 weeks' time interval, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the inflammation among the groups at each time interval. The order of inflammation was NC <G40 ≤G20 <G0. Concerning the fibrous capsule thickness, significant difference existed among the groups at each time interval and within the groups at all 3 time intervals (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Composite resin specimens with DPEPHA comonomer exhibited good histocompatibility in rats at 40 wt.% concentration.

RAFT polymerization within high internal phase emulsions: Porous structures, mechanical behaviors, and uptakes

PolyHIPEs are porous, emulsion-templated polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), concentrated emulsions usually containing over 74% of a dispersed internal phase. PolyHIPEs are usually hydrophobic, crosslinked polymers synthesized within water-in-oil (w/o) HIPEs through free radical polymerization (FRP). There have only been a few attempts to use controlled radical polymerizations such as reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization for polyHIPE synthesis. Here, the effects of polymerization mechanism, initiator solubility, RAFT agent to initiator ratio, and crosslinking comonomer content upon the porous structure, the static and dynamic mechanical properties, and the swelling of poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) polyHIPEs were investigated. The surface-active RAFT agent produced a significant reduction in void size and a significant enhancement in void connectivity. The locus of initiation affected the mechanical behavior, with the moduli from interfacial initiation being significantly higher than those from organic-phase initiation. In addition, using RAFT instead of FRP produced significant changes in the thermal, mechanical, and uptake behaviors that seem to reflect the enhancements in macromolecular mobility and uniformity often associated with controlled polymerization.

Emulsion-templated macroporous ammonium based polymers: Synthesis and dye adsorption study

Emulsion templating was used to prepare new hydrophilic macroporous polymers via o/w high internal phase emulsion (known as polyHIPEs) to be studied as adsorbents for anionic dye removal. A water soluble monomer, 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) and a cross-linker comonomer (N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide) were polymerized in the continuous aqueous phase yielding in ammonium based monoliths with 10 and 15 % cross-linking density by varying the cross linker content. The prepared monoliths were characterized in terms of their structure, morphology and their ability to adsorb water. Macroporous structures with high ion exchange capacities were obtained. PolyHIPE-METAC-90 with the lower cross-linker percentage (10 %) reached very fast, within 30 min, a higher water uptake (corresponding to 18 times its weight) compared to the sample with the higher cross-linking degree (15 %). Moreover, a detailed study regarding PolyHIPE-METAC-90 adsorption behavior towards two anionic dyes, OII and RB-19 has been performed. The Pseudo-second order model for OII and the Elovich and the Langmuir models for both dyes agreed very well with the experimental data suggesting that chemisorption is the dominant adsorption mechanism. However, the Weber–Morris model indicated that three regimes are involved in the diffusion of anionic dyes, including film diffusion and intra-particle diffusion which is mainly the rate-controlling step. Thus, the synergistic effect of chemisorption and diffusion for the dye adsorption on polyHIPE structures was confirmed. The maximum adsorption capacity of RB-19 (1675.22 mg g−1) is the highest among other adsorbents reported in the literature, while the corresponding one for OII (1632.03 mg g−1) is also one of the highest, suggesting that these materials due to their superior performance, simple synthesis and easy regeneration can be used as highly efficient adsorbents for dyes.

The Effects of Enhancing the Crosslinking Degree in High Internal Phase Emulsion Templated Poly(dicyclopentadiene)

AbstractThe effect of enhancing the crosslinking degree in polyHIPEs made from dicyclopentadiene by additionally using a crosslinking comonomer is described. Foams of 80% porosity with 10–40 wt% comonomer content in the continuous phase are prepared and show similar porosities and morphological characteristics as foams prepared with dicyclopentadiene alone. Assessing the mechanical properties reveals that the ductility is decreasing while the stiffness of the samples is increasing with increasing comonomer content. The foams containing the crosslinking comonomer take up at least five times their mass of toluene thereby swelling to at least 30 vol%. Upon drying of the swollen specimens, their initial shape and porosity are recovered. This feature distinguishes them from polyHIPEs made from dicyclopentadiene only.

Synthesis and characterization of thin film polyelectrolytes for solid-state lithium microbatteries

A critical challenge associated with the efficient fabrication of solid-state, three-dimensional microbatteries is the synthesis of conformal, solid-state thin film electrolytes. This study presents the synthesis of lithium ion conducting thin film polyelectrolytes based on poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol diacrylate) using initiated chemical vapor deposition. These films are transformed to lithium-bearing polyelectrolytes through an H+/Li+ ion exchange reaction in a 1M LiOCH3 solution in methanol. Infrared spectroscopy of the vibrational stretching modes associated with the carbonyl bond in methacrylic acid confirmed that the ion exchange was successful, and quantification by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that ion exchange was nearly 100% complete. Incorporation of the crosslinking comonomer ethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA) was necessary for physical stability of the film during the ion exchange process, and four polyelectrolyte compositions with varying crosslinking densities (ethylene glycol diacrylate content) were prepared to understand its role on ionic conductivity. The highest ionic conductivity was achieved in the polymer film with the lowest crosslinking density (9 mol. % EGDA); its conductivity was determined to be 6 × 10−9 S cm−1 at 20 °C and 1 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 100 °C. The activation energy for ionic conductivity was 0.88 eV. Using atomic force microscopy, the surfaces of thin film polyelectrolytes were shown to be continuous, smooth, and pinhole-free, suggesting that these films are suitable for integration into 3D microbatteries.

Colloidal Stabilizer-Assisted Polymerization-Induced Precipitation Method for Colloidally Stable Polyacid Particles.

Near-monodispersed, colloidally stable, submicrometer-sized poly(acid phosphoxy ethyl methacrylate) (PAPEMA) latex particles were synthesized by free-radical dispersion polymerization using poly( N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP) as both a steric colloidal stabilizer and a precipitating agent. Polymerization in the absence of PNVP led to a homogeneous transparent solution of PAPEMA, which indicates that the PNVP is essential for latex formation and the complex of PNVP and PAPEMA was formed during the dispersion polymerization. Dispersion copolymerizations with a divinyl cross-linking comonomer (∼20 wt % based on acid phosphoxy ethyl methacrylate) were also successful in synthesizing near-monodispersed, colloidally stable cross-linked PAPEMA latex particles, and the softness and p Ka values of the resulting PAPEMA latex particles can be controlled by varying the divinyl comonomer concentration. These sterically stabilized latex particles were characterized by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental microanalysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Characterization results indicated that the PNVP colloidal stabilizer was likely to be located homogeneously on the particle surfaces and within the interior of particles. Finally, it was demonstrated that the PAPEMA latex particles worked as an effective surface modifier for metal surfaces.

Efficient removal of cationic dye mixtures from water using a bio-composite adsorbent optimized with response surface methodology

Bio-composite type functional adsorbents were prepared by integrating kappa-carrageenan (KC) and copolymers of poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone-co-acrylic acid) (CP). The CP was synthesized free radically from its monomers N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), acrylic acid (AA) and methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA) crosslinker comonomer in the presence of KC in water. The adsorbents were characterized and used for separation of Safranine T (ST) and brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) cationic dye mixtures from water. The synthesis and process parameters for adsorption were optimized with central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM). Accordingly, the CPKC bio-composite adsorbent with optimized composition of 2.5 wt% of KC, 1.5 wt% of MBA and NVP: AA molar ratio of 1.3:1 showed a high adsorption capacity of 362.5 mg/g for ST and 398 mg/g of BCB dye for a binary mixture containing 100 mg/L each of the dye in a solution pH of 7 and adsorbent dose of 0.25 g/L.

Microphase-Separated Macroporous Polymers from an Emulsion-Templated Reactive Triblock Copolymer

A polyHIPE (PH) is a macroporous polymer synthesized within a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE). The high-porosity, highly interconnected, open-cell structures and the PH-swelling-driven void expansion mechanism have made PH systems of interest for liquid absorption. Usually, only hydrophobic liquids or only hydrophilic liquids are considered for absorption applications. Here, PHs that are based solely on a reactive triblock copolymer (consisting of methacrylate-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) end blocks and a poly(propylene oxide) midblock) were synthesized within oil-in-water HIPEs that are bereft of conventional monomers, cross-linking comonomers, and surfactants. The PH walls consisted of microphase-separated structures with crystalline PEO domains, a microstructure that is difficult to achieve in PHs. These PHs absorbed both hydrophobic liquids and hydrophilic liquids, with the PH-swelling-driven void expansion amplifying the absorption. For water absorption, the PH structure enhanced the tem...

3D Printing Phosphonium Ionic Liquid Networks with Mask Projection Microstereolithography.

Photopolymerization coupled with mask projection microstereolithography successfully generated various 3D printed phosphonium polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) with low UV light intensity requirements and high digital resolution. Varying phosphonium monomer concentration, diacrylate cross-linking comonomer, and display images enabled precise 3D design and polymeric properties. The resulting cross-linked phosphonium PIL objects exhibited a synergy of high thermal stability, tunable glass transition temperature, optical clarity, and ion conductivity, which are collectively well-suited for emerging electro-active membrane technologies. Ion conductivity measurements on printed objects revealed a systematic progression in conductivity with ionic liquid monomer content, and thermal properties and solvent extraction demonstrated the formation of a polymerized ionic liquid network, with gel fractions exceeding 95%.

Stable emulsions with thermally responsive microstructure and rheology using poly(ethylene oxide) star polymers as emulsifiers

Poly(ethylene oxide) star polymers (PEO stars) were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization of 2000 molecular weight PEO methacrylate macromonomer with divinylbenzene as a crosslinking co-monomer. With an average of 460arms per star, these PEO stars had a 12nm radius of gyration that is consistent with a dense polymer core surrounded by an extended PEO corona. The PEO stars were extremely efficient emulsifiers, stabilizing cyclohexane-in-water or xylene-in-water emulsions against coalescence for several months at aqueous phase concentrations as low as 0.008wt% or 0.01wt%, respectively. Consistent with their emulsifying performance, PEO star adsorption decreased interfacial tension by approximately 22mN/m and imparted significant dilatational elasticity to the xylene/water interface. PEO stars were thermally responsive, displaying a cloud point upon heating in water that was tuned by addition of kosmotropic electrolytes, and they in turn produced xylene-in-water emulsions that were thermally responsive in terms of the dispersion state of the emulsion droplets and the emulsion rheology. Emulsions prepared at room temperature mainly had non-flocculated droplets. Heating such an emulsion above the cloud point temperature triggered droplet flocculation, but not coalescence, that in turn was associated with increased viscous and elastic moduli of the emulsion measured after cooling back to room temperature. Emulsions that initially were homogenized above the cloud point temperature and then cooled showed neither droplet flocculation nor rheological thickening relative to emulsions that were prepared and held at room temperature. A mechanism based on the bridging behavior of PEO stars adsorbed at the droplet/water interface is postulated to explain this thermal response of the emulsion microstructure.

Synthesizing a new dielectric elastomer exhibiting large actuation strain and suppressed electromechanical instability without prestretching

AbstractPrestrain provides high actuation performance in dielectric elastomers (DEs) but increases the bulk, mass, and fatigue of the resulting actuators. Based on our experiments on prestrain‐locked interpenetrating polymer films and the model developed by Zhao and Suo, materials with a certain stress–strain relationship should be capable of high strain without prestrain by suppressing electromechanical instability (EMI). Here, we report the synthesis of an acrylic elastomer capable of achieving high actuation performance without prestrain. DE films were directly fabricated by ultraviolet curing of precursors comprising a mixture of acrylate comonomers. Varying the amount of crosslinker comonomer in the precursor allowed us to tune the stress–strain relationship and completely suppress EMI while maintaining high strain performance. Addition of plasticizing agents increased strain sensitivity. The result is a new DE, synthesized from scratch, capable of high actuation strain (&gt;100%), high energy density (&gt;1 J g−1), and good temperature and frequency response without requiring prestretching. The material can be fabricated using conventional coating techniques and the process can allow for high volume throughput of stacked DE actuators. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2013

Simultaneous Measurement of Mechanical and Surface Properties in Thermoresponsive, Anchored Hydrogel Films

Hydrogel films have been used extensively in the preparation of biosensors and biomedical devices. The characteristics of the aqueous interface of the polymer layer are significant for the biosensor or device function; likewise, the changing mechanical properties of thermoresponsive polymers are an important feature that affects the polymer behavior. Atomic force microscopy was used here to characterize both the surface and the mechanical properties of polymeric hydrogel films prepared from a thermoresponsive terpolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid with benzophenonemethacrylate as a photoreactive cross-linker comonomer. The force-distance curves thus obtained were analyzed to assess both the surface forces and the mechanical response that were associated with the hydrogel. These properties were investigated as a function of temperature, in water and in Tris buffer, for different degrees of polymer cross-linking. For samples in water, the distance over which the surface forces were effective was found to remain constant as the temperature was increased from 26 to 42 °C, even though the mechanical response indicated that the samples had been heated past the lower critical solution temperature, or LCST. The bulk of the polymer becomes less soluble above the LCST, although this does not seem to affect the surface properties. This may be due to the segregation of the acrylic acid-rich polymer segments near the gel surface, which is in agreement with reports for related systems.

Thermally induced fixed diradical generation on solid supports for surface‐initiated polymerization

AbstractA method is presented for generation of all surface‐bound radicals on solid polymer surfaces. Thus, secondary amide group of newly synthesized crosslinking comonomer, methacryloyloxyethyl methacrylamide was determined as versatile precursor for generation fixed diradicals on solid microspheres, obtained by copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) in aqueous suspension. Nitrosoation of the secondary amide groups on the microbeads and followed thermolysis above 90 °C was demonstrated to give surface‐bound radicals, capable of initiating polymerization of vinyl monomers, such as; styrene, MMA, N‐vinyl formamide, and N‐vinyl, 2‐pyrrolidone, as evidenced by H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimeter techniques. Appreciable grafting yields (55.1%–286.1%) and low free‐homopolymer formation (7.2%–19.7%) were noted within 6 h of the grafting at 100 °C in each case. This strategy involving the use of amide functional crosslinker seemed to be generally applicable to generate surface‐bound radicals for surface‐initiated polymerization from various solid substrates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012