Copolymerization of 2-(N-phthalimido)ethyl methacrylate with glycidyl methacrylate:: Synthesis, characterization, and monomer reactivity ratios

A phthalimido group containing methacrylate based monomer 2-(N-phthalimido)ethyl methacrylate (NPEMA) was synthesized by reacting 2-(N-phthalimido)ethanol (NPE) with methacryloyl chloride. NPE was prepared by reacting phthalic anhydride dissolved in dimethyl formamide (DMF) with ethanolamine.. Homopolymer of NPEMA and copolymers of NPEMA and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) having various feed compositions were synthesized in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) solution using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator at 70 +/- 1 degreesC. The polymers were characterized bg IR and H-1-NMR spectral studies. The composition of the copolymers was also determined by H-1-NMR analysis. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods. The molecular weights ((M) over bar (w)) and (M) over bar (n)) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers was carried out in air and their thermal stability was studied. The solubility and intrinsic viscosity of the homo- and copolymers were also studied. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 96-103. 2001.