Copolymerization of 4-Propanoylphenyl Acrylate with Methyl Methacrylate: Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity Ratios

• Published in: Journal of macromolecular science. Part A, Pure and applied chemistry Vol. 42; no. 7; pp. 877 - 890
• Main Authors: Unnithan, C. Sreekuttan, Penlidis, A., Nanjundan, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Taylor & Francis Group 01-07-2005; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: 4-propanoylphenyl acrylate; Applied sciences; C-NMR spectra; Copolymerization; Exact sciences and technology; H- and; methyl methacrylate; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts; reactivity ratios; thermal studies; copolymerization; Aryl acrylate copolymer; Solution copolymerization; 4-propanoylphenyl acrylate; reactivity ratios; Experimental study; Methyl methacrylate copolymer; Reactivity ratio; Thermal stability; methyl methacrylate; thermal studies; Preparation; Radical copolymerization; 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra
• ISSN: 1060-1325; 1520-5738
• DOI: 10.1081/MA-200063144

The new acrylic monomer 4-propanoylphenyl acrylate (PPA) was synthesized and copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) in methyl ethyl ketone at 70±1°C using benzoyl peroxide as a free radical initiator. The copolymers were characterized by FT-IR,
1
H-NMR and
13
C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The compositions of the copolymers were determined by
1
H-NMR analysis. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined using Fineman-Ross (r
1
=0.5535 and r
2
=1.5428), Kelen-Tüdös (r
1
=0.5307 and r
2
=1.4482), and Ext. Kelen-Tüdös (r
1
=0.5044 and r
2
=1.4614), as well as by a nonlinear error-in-variables model (EVM) method using a computer program, RREVM (r
1
=0.5314 and r
2
=1.4530). The solubility of the polymers was tested in various polar and non-polar solvents. The elemental analysis was determined by a Perkin-Elmer C-H analyzer. The molecular weights (M
w
and M
n
) of the copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers reveals that the thermal stability of the copolymers increases with an increase in the mole fraction of MMA in the copolymers. Glass transition temperatures of the copolymers were found to increase with an increase in the mole fraction of MMA in the copolymers.