Copolymers of 4-(3′,4′-dimethoxycinnamoyl)phenyl acrylate and MMA:: Synthesis, characterization, photocrosslinking properties, and monomer reactivity ratios

4-(3',4'-Dimethoxycinnamoyl)phenyl acrylate (DMCPA) containing pendant chalcone moiety was copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) by radical polymerization in ethyl methyl ketone at 70degreesC under a nitrogen atmosphere using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as a free radical initiator. The prepared polymer was characterized by UV, FT-IR, H-1-NMR, and C-13-NMR spectra. The composition of the copolymer was determined using H-1-NMR analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios of copolymerization were determined using conventional linearization methods such as Fineman-Ross (r(1) = 0.26 and r(2) = 0.61), Kelen-Tudos (r(1) = 0.26 and r(2) = 0.61), and Ext. Kelen-Tudos (r(1) = 0.23 and r(2) = 0.59), and a non-linear error-in-variables model (EVM) method using the computer program RREVM (r(1) = 0.2541 and r(2) = 0.6094). The molecular weights (M-w and M-n) of the copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers in air reveals that the stability of the copolymers decreases with an increase in the mole fraction of MMA in the copolymers. The solubility of the polymers was tested in various polar and non-polar solvents. The glass transition temperature of the copolymers was determined as a function of copolymer composition. The copolymers were sensitive to UV light and became crosslinked after irradiation with 254 nm light.