Synthesis and characterization of a polymerizable benzophenone derivative and its application in styrenic polymers as UV-stabilizer

In this paper, a polymerizable UV-stabilizer 2-hydroxy-4-(3-methacryloxy-2-hydroxylpropoxy) benzophenone (BPMA) was synthesized by the reaction of 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (UV-0) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), and characterized by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The results show that BPMA, with high UV-absorbing performance, has been synthesized successfully. Poly(St-co-BPMA) was prepared by emulsion copolymerization of styrene (St) and BPMA, and tested by 1H NMR, UV–Vis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results reveal that BPMA had been added to the polymer chain as copolymer and the UV-resistant performance of poly(St-co-BPMA) was enhanced significantly by the incorporation of BPMA onto the polymer chains. Poly(St-co-BPMA) was irradiated under UV light and insoluble substance, reduced viscosity, weight loss and UV–Vis absorption spectra were used to determine the degradation of poly(St-co-BPMA). The results show that BPMA is an effective UV-stabilizer in protecting poly(St-co-BPMA) from UV destroys. We also take water extraction test on poly(St-co-BPMA), PSt/UV-0 blends, and the results show that migration problem can be resolved by anchoring the UV-stabilizer onto the polymer chain.