Graft Copolymerization of Benzyl Methacrylate onto Poly(Acryloyl-L-valine) Microspheres by Using the Photoreaction of Side Carboxyl Groups with Lead Tetraacetate

N-Acryloyl-L-valine (ALV) was found to yield polymer microspheres when it was polymerized with a radical initiator in acetophenone. The resulting microspheres showed thermochromism in aromatic solvents such as benzonitrile, methyl benzoate, and acetophenone. Graft copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) onto poly(ALV) microspheres was carried out in benzonitrile by using the photoreaction of carboxyl groups in poly (ALV) with Pb(OAc)₄. The grafting efficiency was not very high (15–28%). Methyl methacrylate as the second monomer gave a higher grafting efficiency (56%) although the polymer yield was considerably lower. The resulting graft copolymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The grafted poly (ALV) microspheres were well dispersed in benzene. A benzene solution of grafted poly(ALV) microspheres and homopoly(BzMA) gave a film with finely dispersed poly (ALV) microspheres.