Free radical copolymerization of poly(n-butyl methacrylate) onto polychloroprene

Graft copolymerization of n-butyl methacrylate onto polychloroprene was carried out in toluene using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The polychloroprene-g-poly(n-butyl methacrylate) was isolated from the copolymerization product by extracting with hexane. Infrared (IR) spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of graft copolymer showed the occurrence of grafting. Percentage of grafting and grafting efficiency calculated under different experimental conditions were discussed. The mechanism of grafting seems to occur by chain transfer, as evidenced by a decrease in chlorine content during the experiment.