PHOTOCROSSLINKABLE POLYMERS BASED ON MALEIMIDE-MODIFIED ACRYLATES

Novel photocrosslinkable polymethacrylate systems with enhanced therma l stability and solvent resistance were synthesized. Copolymers of met hyl methacrylate (MMA) or butyl acrylate (BuA) with 4-maleimido benzoi c acid (MBA) were synthesized and photocrosslinkable methacrylic funct ions were incorporated through the pendent COOH groups. Photofunctiona l groups were introduced by the acid chloride route and by the epoxy-c arboxy reaction. Photocrosslinking was performed using UV radiation of 350 nm in the presence of a photo-initiator. The kinetics of photocur ing was studied with a model multiacrylate. The imide-modified photocu red acrylate polymer exhibited enhanced solvent resistance and thermal stability, compared with the unmodified polymer.