Microbial screening of copolymers of 2,4‐dichlorophenyl methacrylate with N‐vinylpyrrolidone: synthesis and characterization

Copolymers of 2,4‐dichlorophenyl methacrylate and hydrophilic monomer (N‐vinylpyrrolidone) were synthesized with different feed ratios using dimethylformamide as solvent and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator at 70 °C. The copolymers were characterized by IR spectrometry. Copolymer compositions were determined by UV spectrometry. The monomer reactivity ratios were determined by applying the conventional linearization method of Fineman‐Ross. Gel permeation chromatography was employed for determining molecular weights and polydispersity indexes. Thermogravimetric analyses of polymers were carried out in nitrogen atmosphere. Homo‐ and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial properties against selected microorganisms. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry