SPONTANEOUS COPOLYMERIZATION OF 3-NITROPHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE WITH N-(2-HYDROXYETHYL)ETHYLENEIMINE

3-Nitrophthalic anhydride as an electrophilic monomer was copolymerize d in the absence of initiator under various experimental conditions wi th N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethyleneimine as nucleophilic monomer. The copoly mers by FTIR, H-1-NMR and C-13-NMR spectroscopy were characterized and their molecular weight was determined. The copolymer composition was determined by H-1-NMR spectroscopy. N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethyleneimine wa s incorporated preferentially in the copolymer when the feed ratio is richer in the nucleophilic monomer. According to the copolymer composi tion, the FTIR and H-1-NMR, and C-13-NMR spectra information, it was p ossible to suggest a copolymer structure. The thermal degradation of t he copolymer has been investigated using thermogravimetry in the 293-6 73 degrees K temperature range.