Synthesis and characterization of new functional polymers by polymer-analog reactions on EVOH copolymer

Polymers carrying different organic functional groups (carboxylic acids, te rtiary amines, nitriles) were successfully synthesized from poly[(ethylene) -co-(vinyl alcohol)] (EVOH) in two steps. The first step involves acylation of hydroxyl functions of EVOH by phthalic anhydride. Under specific experi mental conditions, the substitution may become nearly quantitative. In a se cond step, alkylation of the so-obtained carboxylic salts is realized in si tu using methyliodide. 2-chloroethyl piperidine Or chloroacetonitrile, for example. Degrees of substitution (DS) are easily determined by titration of carboxylic functional groups after, respectively, the first and the second steps. Final functional polymers were characterized by IB spectroscopy and H-1 and C-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Their thermal properties were det ermined by differential scanning calorimetry acid thermogravimetric analysi s. Experimental protocols have been established for the transformation of E VOH. into polymers bearing new groups such ns carboxylic acids, tertiary am ines or nitriles through a one-pot procedure from EVOH.