Simultaneous and single-step syntheses of the random-graft copolymers formed using various vinyl monomers and lactones together with N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide

Poly(methyl methacrylate-ra-N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide-g-ε-caprorolactone) random-graft copolymer was obtained by simultaneous reaction in a single step using free-radical polymerization and ring-opening polymerization techniques. In the presence of 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile, N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide and four different vinyl monomers (acrylamide, butyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene) were separately incorporated, and ε-caprolactone (or β-butyrolactone) was simultaneously grafted to the hydroxyl groups of the copolymer. The dependence of eight different graft copolymers on the monomer type was investigated by applying identical experimental parameters. The effects of the monomer type on the molecular weights and dispersity values were examined. The spectroscopic properties of the obtained products were determined using Fourier-transform infrared and proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, and their thermal properties were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The average molecular weights were defined using gel permeation chromatography. The morphological properties were examined with scanning electron microscope.