Copolymers ofp-Nitrobenzyl Acrylate with Methyl Acrylate: Synthesis, Characterization, and Monomer Reactivity Ratios

Abstract

Abstract Copolymers of p-nitrobenzyl acrylate and methyl acrylate with different feed ratios are synthesized in ethyl methyl ketone using benzoyl peroxide as a free radical initiator at 70 ± 1°C. The copolymers were characterized by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Copolymer compositions were determined by 1H-NMR analysis of the polymers. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by the application of conventional linearization methods such as Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös. Gel permeation chromatography was used for determining the molecular weights M n and M w, and the polydispersity index. The intrinsic viscosities and the thermal properties of the homo- and copolymers are also discussed.