Synthesis and characterization of N-phenylmaleimide-methylvinylisocyanate copolymers with polystyrene side chains

N-Substitued maleimide-methylvinylisocyanate copolymers with high glass tra nsition temperature (T-g) was prepared and reacted with 4-hydroxy TEMPO (4- hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidinoxy) to yield polymers possessing stab le radical at the side chain. The resulting polymers behaved as polymeric c ounter radicals for the radical polymerization of styrene. Thus, stable fre e radical mediated polymerization at the side chain was achieved. The resul ting graft copolymers were characterized by spectral and thermal analysis.