LAUSR

Abstract Nonmigratory internal plasticization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is achieved by synthesis of poly(vinyl chloride)-co-poly(4,5-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-1-[6-prop-2-enoyloxy)hexyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylate) [PVC-co-P(DEHT-HA)] copolymers via free radical polymerization (FRP). Optimization of the polymerization temperature, solvent, initiator, and vinyl chloride/acrylate (VC/DEHT-HA) monomer ratio were systematically investigated, and the corresponding glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the resultant copolymers determined. These internally plasticized copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, SEC and DMTA. The Tg values of the PVC-co-P(DEHT-HA) copolymers range from −27 to 78 °C, and the physical properties suggest that the P(DEHT-HA) and PVC segments are miscible. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that increasing the ratio of the monomer DEHT-HA to VC increases the thermal stability. By varying the initial VC/DEHT-HA monomer ratio, one can tune the Tg of the resulting copolymer, making both the strategy and the polymer flexible.