Atom transfer radical polymerization of methacrylate monomers with some aryl and alkyl side groups and investigation of miscibility of their polymers

In this work, benzyl methacrylate (BMA), phenyl methacrylate (PMA), naphthyl mehtacrylate (NMA), cyanomethyl methacrylate (CMMA), 1-piperidyno carbonyl ethyl methacrylate (PCEMA) and p-tolyl,2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (THPMA) were synthesized by means of standard organic reactions. Copolymerization and homopolymerization of monomers by the atom transfer radical polymerization method (ATRP) were occured at a convenient temperature range, typically between 80 °C and 110 °C. It was carried out at 60 °C theirs free radical polymerization as well. The situ addition of ethyl methacrylate or methyl methacrylate to a macroinitiator of polymers such as polyBMA, polyPMA and polyNMA prepared via ATRP afforded an AB-type block copolymer. A series copolymer of EMA and THPMA with BMA, and MMA with PMA were prepared by atom transfer radical copolymerization or free radical copolymerization systems. The structure of monomer, homopolymer and copolymers obtained was characterized by FT-IR, 13C-NMR and 'H-NMR techniques. Average molecular weights and polydispersities of homo and copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements. The compositions of the copolymers prepared were calculated from *H NMR spectra. The monomer reactivity ratios were obtained by using Kelen-Tüdös and Fineman-Ross equations. Blends of polymer obtained via ATRP method were prepared by casting films from dichlorormethane solution. The blends, homopolymers and copolymers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis, and thermogravimetry. The measurements were comparable with each other. Thermal degradation of polyPMA, polyPCEMA, poliBMA and polyCMMA from prepared via ATRP was studied.Keywords: ATRP, Copolymer, Blend, Monomer reactivity ratio, Thermal degradation.