New self-crosslinkable copolymers based on N-methyl-N-vinylbenzylpyrrolidinium halide and methyl methacrylate

Thermally-induced self-crosslinking behaviour has been found in copolymers containing N-methyl-N-vinylbenzylpyrrolidinium chloride (MVBPC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). NMR, IR and low molecular weight model reactions demons trate that this crosslinking reaction occurs between the methyl ester group s of the MMA units and the quaternary ammonium salts, with the resulting be nzyl esters forming chemical links between the MVBPC and MMA units with the formation of N,N-dimethylpyrrolidinium chloride. Similar crosslinking beha viour has also been found when the Cl(-)anion is replaced by Br- and I-, bu t not in the case of BF4- as counter anion. (C) 2000 Society of Chemical In dustry.