Photosensitive polymer: synthesis, characterization and properties of a polymer having pendant photocrosslinkable group

A monomer having a free-radical polymerizable methacryloyl group and a phot ocrosslinkable functional group (pendant chalcone unit) was synthesized and polymerized in MEK at 70 degrees C using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The prepared polymer was characterized by UV, IR, H-1-NMR and C-13-NMR spe ctra. The molecular weights ((M) over bar(w) and (M) over bar(n)) of the po lymer were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The thermal stabili ty of polymer was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis of the polymer in air/nitrogen atmosphere. The glass transition temperature of the polymer wa s determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The photocrosslinking pr operty of the polymer was studied as a thin film, and in solution, and the results were discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.