Synthesis and Study of the Properties of an Optically Transparent Copolymer Based on Methyl 2-(4-Vinylphenyl)cyclopropane-1 Carboxylate and Butyl Methacrylate

An optically transparent copolymer based on methyl 2-(4-vinylphenyl)cyclopropane-1 carboxylate and butyl methacrylate has been synthesized. The copolymerization of these monomers has been carried out in the presence of a radical initiator in the mass and solution. The copolymerization constants (r1 = 0.68, r2 = 0.32) and activity parameters according to Q–e scheme (Q1 = 1.06; e1 = –1.0) have been calculated. The microstructure of the copolymer has been studied; at a ratio of the initial compounds equal to 0.25 : 0.25 (molar fractions), the blockiness parameter has a maximum value of R = 66.66%. The indices of the average molecular weights of the copolymer samples obtained under various copolymerization conditions vary in the ranges Mw = 97000–127500 and Mn = 64500–95200. The identification of the obtained compound by a method of IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy has been carried out, and the physical-mechanical properties have been evaluated. The degree of optical transparency nD20 = 1.5792 and light transmission of the copolymer has been determined (88–90%).