Synthesis and application of terpolymer bearing cyclic carbonate and cinnamoyl groups

Abstract We propose the syntheses of photopolymer with pendant cinnamic ester and cyclic carbonate groups by the addition reaction of poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-styrene) with CO2 and then with cinnamoyl chloride. Quaternary ammonium salts showed good catalytic activity for this synthesis. Photochemical reaction experiments revealed that terpolymer having cinnamate and cyclic carbonate groups has good photosensitivity, even in the absence of sensitizer. In order to expand the application of the obtained terpolymer, polymer blends with poly(methyl methacrylate) were prepared. Differential scanning calorimetry and optical clarity tests showed that the blends were miscible over the whole composition ranges.