Synthesis and Characterization of Glycidyl Methacrylate Copolymers Containing Benzophenone Oxime Groups

The copolymers based on glycidyl methacrylates belong to the potential class of functional polymers. The random copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) with methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA) were synthesized by free radical polymerization using azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as initiator at 70 ±1oC. Then, copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate have been modified by incorporation of bulk benzophenone oxime groups through the ring opening reaction of the epoxy groups. The polymers were characterized by 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopic techniques. The thermal stability of all copolymers was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. This modification increases the rigidity of polymers and, subsequently, their thermal stability. The presence of benzophenone oxime groups in the polymer side chains created new polymers with novel modified properties that may find some applications in polymer industry.