Copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate in xylene solvent

Abstract

Introduction: Copolymers are being used in a variety of fields because of their diversity and since any change could result in significant modifications. The butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymer is an extensively used polymer system with many advantages. This study aims to analyze some changes in copolymerization, from using different time or temperature of synthesis, in order to find an optimal process that can be applied in Vietnam. Methods: Copolymerization of butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymer with different butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate monomer ratios was done using Xylene solvent. Copolymer compositions were determined from the Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and Gel permeation chromatography. Results: The experimental results indicate that the copolymer was successfully synthesized. The highest molecular weight was 15,591 g/mol, with the lowest dispersity of 1.53 at 100 oC after 6 hours of copolymerization.