Preparation and characterization of poly[2-(4-pentenoyloxy)ethyl methacrylate]

A new multimonomer, the poly [2-(4-pentenoyloxy) ethyl methacrylate] (PPEM) has been synthesized by Schotten-Bauman's esterification of poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with 4-pentenoyl chloride. Its chemical structure was confirmed by means of FTIR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR spectra as well as by elemental analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) were used to determine the thermal behavior of the PPEM. It was seen, that thermal polymerization of side vinyl groups and thermal decomposition of the multimonomer appear within the 247-380degreesC range (under nitrogen). Introduction of 1 wt.% of AIBN under nitrogen reduces PPEM polymerization temperature to 136degreesC. PPEM undergoes photopolymerization at room temperature to crosslinked products.