Study on the Chemical Modification of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) with 4-Maleimidophenyl Isocyanate

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was structurally modified by the reaction of hydroxyl groups with 4-maleimidophenyl isocyanate (MPI). The substitution degree of the modified PVA was determined by H-1-NMR spectra and varied in the range 7.7 and 34.4%. Structures of polymers were confirmed by ATR-FTIR and H-1-NMR spectroscopy and properties were studied by thermal and mechanical analysis (dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and stress-strain). By heating of modified PVA at 200 degrees C, the glass transition temperature and modulus were improved.