Copolymers of 2,4‐Dichlorophenyl Methacrylate with Styrene: Synthesis, Thermal Properties, and Antimicrobial Activity

The methacrylate monomer, 2,4‐dichlorophenyl methacrylate (2,4‐DMA), was synthesized by reacting 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐D) with methacryloyl chloride. The free‐radical initiated copolymerization of 2,4‐DMA with styrene was carried out in a toluene solution at 70°C using 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator with different monomer feed ratios. The monomer 2,4‐DMA and the copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectral studies. Copolymer composition was determined by UV‐spectroscopy. The reactivity ratio of the monomers was obtained employing the conventional linearization method of Fineman–Ross. The molecular weights (M¯w, M¯n) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the polymers was carried out in nitrogen atmosphere. Antimicrobial effects of the homo‐ and copolymers were also investigated for various microorganisms.