| Abstract: | Several copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with methyl acrylate (MA), ethyl acrylate (EA), n-butyl acrylate (BA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared at 70°C in nitrogen atmosphere using 0.2% (w/v) benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The copolymer composition was evaluated by estimation of hydroxyl group in the copolymers. Intrinsic viscosity of HEMA–EA, HEMA–BA, and HEMA–MMA copolymers was determined at 35°C in dimethyl formamide. Molecular weight distribution of copolymer samples was evaluated by gel permeation chromatography. Thermal behavior of the copolymers was investigated by dynamic thermogravimetry. Thermal stability decreased on increasing HEMA content in MA, EA, and BA copolymers. However, a reverse trend was observed in HEMA–MMA copolymers. |
