Graft copolymers from poly(styrene <i>co</i> dimethyl maleate) and poly(styrene <i>co</i> allyl acetate)

Abstract

Abstract Graft copolymers, were synthesized from hydrophobic backbone copolymers by introducing hydrophilic grafts at appropriate juncture points. Poly(styrene co dimethyl maleate) of varying composition was prepared by the copolymerization of styrene with dimethyl maleate in the presence of benzoyl peroxide as the initiator. Data on conversion rates of initial monomers to copolymer, infrared measurements, limiting viscosity numbers, and copolymer compositions are presented. The poly(styrene co dimethyl maleate) was resistant to saponification but, when reacted with sodium catalyzed monoethanolamine at its boiling point, yielded the desired poly(styrene co maleic ethanolamide). Addition of ethylene oxide to the available hydroxyl groups yielded, in some instances, water‐dispersible graft copolymers. Poly(styrene co allyl acetate) was prepared by copolymerizing styrene with allyl acetate with use of benzoyl peroxide as the initiator. Water‐dispersible copolymers from this backbone copolymer were prepared by saponification of the acetate groups and the grafting of ethylene oxide to the available hydroxyl groups in the backbone copolymer. Results of analyses, molecular weight determination, and infrared measurements are presented.