Synthesis and characterization of phenacyl methacrylate - acrylonitrile copolymers and determination of monomer reactivity ratios

Abstract

Copolymers of phenacyl methacrylate (PAMA) with acrylonitrile (AN) were prepared in 1,4-dioxane solution at 70 °C using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. The polymers were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic techniques. Also, solubility parameters, inherent viscosities, average molecular weight and densities of polymers were determined. The copolymer compositions were determined by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios were calculated by application of conventional linearization methods due to Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdős. Thermal properties of the polymers were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry