Synthesis and characterization of 4-chloromethylstyrene polymers containing bulky organosilicon groups

Abstract

The homopolymer of 4-chloromethylstyrene and its copolymers with styrene (in 1:3 and 1:1 mole ratio) were synthesized by bulk and solution free-radical polymerisations, respectively, at 70±1°C using α, α′-azoisobutyronitrile as an initiator. Highly sterically hindered tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl (Tsi) substituents were then covalently linked to the obtained homopolymer and copolymers. The polymers were characterized by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel permeation chromatography. DSC showed that incorporation of Tsi substituents in the side chains of homopolymer and copolymers increases the rigidity of the polymers and, subsequently, their glass transition temperature.