Copolymerization of γ-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane and methyl methacrylate

Abstract

Copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) with low mole fractions of γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (MTS) was investigated with an aim to synthesize copolymers which can be cross-linked by hydrolytic cleavage of methoxy groups. Several copolymer samples were prepared by changing the molar ratios of two monomers in the initial monomer feed. Rate of copolymerization depended on the concentration of monomers and increased with an increase in MTS concentration. The copolymers were characterized by infrared (IR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and intrinsic viscosity determination. The effect of structure on thermal behavior was investigated by using dynamic thermogravimetry in nitrogen atmosphere. An attempt was made to identify products of degradation using mass spectrometry. Copolymers were also hydrolyzed in water and cross-linked. The effect of MTS in copolymers on percentage gel formation was determined.