Free-Radical-Initiated Polymerization of N(p-Phenoxy-phenyl)maleimide and Copolymerization with Styrene, α-Methylstyrene and β–Methylstyrene

Abstract

Synthesis and free-radical-initiated homopolymerization of phenoxy-phenylmaleimide (PhOPhMI) and copolymerization with styrene (St), (α-methylstyrene (αMeSt) and β–methylstyrene (β-MeSt) are described. It was found that alternating copolymers are formed under different monomer-to-monomer ratios in the feed and that the mechanism based on the participation of CT-complex best explains the formation of alternating copolymers. Equilibrium constants of CT-complexes are: K _PhOPhMI/St = 0.20 Lmol^?1; K_{PhOPhMI/αMeSt} = 0.05 Lmol^?1; K_{PhOPhMI/βMeSt} = 0.02 Lmol^?1. Homopolymer and co-polymers are film-forming materials, stable up to 350°C under TGA conditions. T_g s and higher transition temperatures are within the thermally stable region.