Synthesis and characterization of homopolymer of 3,5-dimethylphenyl methacrylate and its copolymers with glycidyl methacrylate

The acrylic monomer, 3,5-dimethylphenyl methacrylate was synthesized by reacting 3,5-dimethylphenol dissolved in ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. The homopolymer and various copolymers with glycidyl methacrylate were synthesized using free radical polymerization in EMK solution at 70±1 °C using benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR techniques. The molecular weights (Mn and Mw) and polydispersity indices were determined using gel permeation chromatography. The glass transition temperatures were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Thermogravimetric analysis were performed in air. The solubilities of the polymers were tested in various polar and non-polar solvents. Copolymer compositions were determined using 1H-NMR spectra. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by application of conventional linearisation methods such as Fineman–Ross, Kelen–Tüdös and extended Kelen–Tüdös.