| Abstract: | Copolymers bearing pendant O-acyloxime groups were synthesized by two methods: copolymerizations of oxime acrylate (methyl β-naphthyl ketone oxime acrylate or benzophenone oxime acrylate) and styrene, condensation of acrylic acid—styrene copolymer with oximes (benzophenone oxime, p-nitrobenzophenone oxime, methyl β-naphthyl ketone oxime, benzalacetone oxime or 9-fluorenone oxime). The photochemical behavior of the O-acyloxime copolymers changed markedly with the irradiation conditions: irradiation of benzene solutions led to degradation in air and crosslinking under nitrogen, while irradiation of solid films in air resulted in simultaneous degradation and crosslinking. Photolysis of methyl β-naphthyl ketone oxime acetate, a model for the O-acyloxime copolymer, in benzene solution under nitrogen resulted in scission of the N? O bond. The same reaction was observed in the irradiation of the O-acyloxime copolymers. It is suggested that formation of free radicals on the polymer chains via scission of the N? O bond is followed by decarboxylation. In the absence of oxygen, crosslinking of the polymer by recombination of the free radicals competes with degradation via β-scission. In the presence of oxygen, autoxidative degradation predominates. |
