Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity Ratios of Phenylethyl Acrylate/Methacrylate Copolymers

2-Phenylethyl acrylate (PEA) and 2-Phenylethyl methacrylate (PEMA) were synthesized by reacting 2-Phenyl ethanol with acryloyl and methacryloyl chloride respectively. Homopolymers and copolymers were prepared by free radical polymerization technique using benzoylperoxide as initiator. Copolymers of PEA and PEMA with methyl acrylate (MA) and N-vinyl pyrollidone (NVP) of different compositions were prepared. The monomers and polymers were characterized by IR and NMR techniques. Thermal stability of the polymers were determined by TG analysis. The composition of the copolymer was determined using ¹H-NMR analysis. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of Finemann–Ross and Kelen–Tudos methods. The prepared copolymers were tested on leather for their pressure sensitive adhesive property.