Copolymers of phenacyl methacrylate with glycidyl methacrylate: synthesis, characterization and monomer reactivity ratios

Copolymers with various proportions of phenacyl methacrylate (PAMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) were prepared by free radical-polymerization in solution in 1,4-dioxane using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator at 70°C. The polymers were characterized by infrared and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The copolymer compositions were determined by 1H-NMR spectra. The reactivity ratios were calculated by both Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdös methods. Glass transition and decomposition temperatures of copolymers were determined.