Synthesis and thermal analysis of emulsion terpolymers of N-phenylmaleimide, methyl methacrylate, and acrylonitrile

Terpolymers of N-phenylmaleimide (PMI), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and acry lonitrile (AN) were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. The thermal pro perties of the terpolymers, at different PMI and AN feed contents, were inv estigated by TEA, TGA, and the Vicat softening point test. The results show that the glass transition temperature (T-g) and decomposition temperature of the terpolymers increase with increasing PMI feed content. Furthermore, the Vicat softening points of the terpolymers increase with the PMI feed co ntent. The (M) over bar (w) and (M) over bar (n) of the terpolymers were al so determined by GPC. The results show that the (M) over bar (w) and (M) ov er bar (n) of the terpolymers have a maximum value in the range of 0-30% PM I feed content and decrease with an increasing AN feed content. The mechani cal properties (tensile strength and impact strength) of the terpolymers de crease with an increasing PMI feed content and increase with an increasing AN feed content. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.