GLYCIDYL METHACRYLATE AND N-VINYL-2-PYRROLIDONE COPOLYMERS - SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND REACTIVITY RATIOS

Free radical copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (VPD) was carried out using 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), in chloroform at 60-degrees-C. The polymers were characterized by IR and C-13-NMR spectroscopic methods. The percentage composition of the copolymers were established by microelemental analysis and by C-13-NMR spectroscopy. The copolymerization reactivity ratios were computed using the Fineman-Ross method, the Kelen-Tudos method, and the extended Kelen-Tudos method. The molecular weights of the copolymers were obtained by GPC measurements. Thermal properties of the homo- and copolymers were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The copolymers were tested as adhesives for leather-to-leather and leather-to-rubber bonding.