Synthesis and characterization of homopolymer and copolymers of 2-(N-phthalimido)-2-methylpropyl acrylate with acrylonitrile

The new acrylic monomer, 2-(N-phthalimido)-2-methylpropyl acrylate, was synthesized by reacting 2-(N-phthalimido)-2-methylpropan-1-ol dissolved in ethylacetate with acryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. The homopolymer and copolymers of different feed compositions of 2-(N-phthalimido) -2-methylpropyl acrylate and acrylonitrile were synthesized using the free radical polymerization technique in ethyl acetate solution using benzoyl peroxide as initiator at 70 degrees C. The characterization of polymers were done by infrared and H-1-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The composition of the copolymers were determined by H-1-NMR analysis. The reactivity ratios of the comonomers were evaluated according to the Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods. The molecular weights ((M) over bar(W) and (M) over bar(n)) of the polymers and the polydispersity index were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermal characterization of the polymers was done by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) technique. The solubility and intrinsic viscosity of the polymers were also discussed.