Copolymerization of Vinylbenzyl Thymine and Vinylphenylsulfonic Salt. Mathematical Modeling and Characterization of the Obtained Water-Soluble Polymers

F. GARCÍA; D.M MARTINO; D. A. ESTENOZ; G. MEIRA; J.C. WARNER

Rio de Janeiro

Congreso; MACRO, World Polymer Congress, 41st International Symposium on Macromolecules; 2006

Vinylbenzyl thymine (VBT) is a monomer derived from styrene specifically designed to incorporate the photoreactivity of thymine. Copolymerization with ionically charged monomers derivated from styrene (e.g.: vinylphenylsulfonic acid sodium salt - VPS) produces water-soluble polymers [1]. These polymers become insoluble upon irradiation by UV-light (254nm), due to the formation of covalent cyclobutane linkages between adjacent thymine groups (crosslinking). The VBT containing polymers are considered environmentally benign since: a) they can be processed using water instead of organic solvents, b) the curing process does not involve the use of toxic agent, and c) the crosslinking is a reversible process (enzymes) allowing subsequent uses [2]. Since solubility depends on the thymine content, synthesis conditions greatly affect the properties of the final product. In this work the effects of the reagent concetration on the global variables of polymerization are experimental and theoretically investigated.