Radical copolymerization of methyl 2-norbornene-2-carboxylate and 2-phenyl-2-norbornene with styrene, alkyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate: Facile incorporation of norbornane framework into polymer main chain and its effect on glass transition temperat

Radical copolymerization behavior of methyl 2-norbornene-2-carboxylate 1 and 2-phenyl-2-norbornene 2 was investigated. Radical copolymerization of 1 and 2 with styrene, alkyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate in a variety of monomer combinations afforded copolymers, whose main chains consisted of norbornane framework. Relative monomer reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of 1 and 2 with n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) were determined by the Fineman–Ross method. Temperature-modulated DSC analysis for poly(1 or 2-co-n-BA)s revealed remarkable Tg-raising effect of incorporation of norbornane framework into the polymer main chain, compared to that effect of styrene repeating unit.