Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Polymers Containing Pendant Silyl Ether Groups

A series of polymers containing silyl pendant groups was prepared by free radical polymerization. In the first time, the carboxyl group of 4-hydroxyl benzoic acid (4-HBA) was converted to a vinyl ester (4-HVB) group by reacting HBA and vinyl acetate as an acylating agent in the presence of a catalyst. Then, Me3Si, Et3Si and t-BuMe2Si were covalently linked with 4-HVB under mild conditions. Free radical polymerization of the organosilyl monomers (SiVB) was carried out at 60-70 degrees C. The structure of the organosilyl monomers was characterized and confirmed by FT-IR and H-1-NMR spectroscopy. The polymers were characterized by IR, H-1-NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel-permeation chromatography. DSC showed that incorporation of silyl substitute in the side-chains of polymers increases the rigidity of the polymers and, subsequently, their glass transition temperature. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010