Synthesis and characterization of some polymers and investigation of properties

In this study, Poly(N-vinylimidazole) (PNVIM), Poly(N-vinylimidazole-co-maleic anhydride) [Poly(NVIM-co-MA)], and Poly(N-vinylimidazole-co-maleic anhydride-co-N-isopropyl acrylamide) [Poly(NVIM-co-MA-co-NIPAm)] were synthesized by radical-initiated polymerization in anhydrous medium in nitrogen atmosphere. Toluene, benzene, 1,4-dioxane and methanol as solvent; AIBN as initiated were used at polymer synthesis. PNVIM, poly(NVIM-co-MA) and poly(NVIM-co-MA-co-NIPAm) were synthesized at 60 oC and 65 oC. Solutions of polymer were prepared in different solvents and solubilities were determined. Polymer structures were characterized by UV-visible, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13 C NMR spectra. Monomer percents were determined from elementel analysis, FTIR and 1H NMR spectra of Poly(NVIM-co-MA). Monomer percent was obtained m1= 53,26 (NVIM) and m2= 46,74 (MA) from elementel analysis. Thermal properties of polymers were investigated by TGA, DTA and DSC. The highest thermal stability was PNVIM with 400,10 oC. Surface analyses of polymers were clarified by SEM. The crystal structure of polymers were investigated by XRD and crystal ratio were calculated. UV-visible, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13 C NMR spectra; the result of elementel analysis, SEM and XRD; termal analyses were proved that it was polymer and formation of alternating copolymer. Antimicrobial activities of polymers were investigated by disc diffusion method against gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, S. faecalis), gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa) and fungus (C. albicans). Antimicrobial activities of polymers were compared with various antibiotic and antifungal drug. The highest antimicrobial activity value was measured against gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrobial activities of poli(NVIM-co-MA-co-NIPAm)s higher than drug were determined.