Phenacyl methacrylate and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone copolymers: Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity ratios

The free radical copolymerization of phenacyl methacrylate (PAMA) and N-Vin yl-2-pyrrolidone (N-Vp) was carried out using 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile ( AIBN), in 1,4-dioxane solution at 70 degrees C. The polymers were character ized by FT-IR, H-1- and C-13-NMR spectroscopic methods. Solubility paramete rs, inherent viscosities, average molecular weight and densities of polymer s were determined. Thermal properties of the homo- and copoly-mers were als o studied by thermogravimetric analysis and differantial scanning calorimet ry. The percentage composition of the copolymers were established by microe lemental analysis. The copolymerization reactivity ratios were computed usi ng the Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods. The experimental data indicate random comonomer incorporation with a slightly alternating tendency.