Glass and sub-glass transitions in methylphenyl and chlorophenyl polyitaconic acid esters

Two series of ring substituted poly(di-phenyl itaconate)s have been prepared and characterized. The 2-, 3-, and 4-methylphenyl and chlorophenyl derivatives were studied and the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the 3-substituted polymers were found to be lower than those of the 2- or 4-substituted polymers in each series. Some suggestion of polar effects contributing to Tg was evident in the poly(di-(4-chlorophenyl)itaconate). Dynamic mechanical studies revealed prominent damping peaks in the glassy state of the poly(di(methylphenyl)itaconate)s which can be attributed to methyl group relaxation. The chloro-derivatives showed fewer features, although in the 4-chloro compound there is evidence of restricted ring oscillation in the glass.