Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of acrylic copolymers

2,4-Dichlorophenyl methacrylate (2,4-DMA) and vinyl acetate (VAc) were copolymerized with different feed ratios using dimethyl formamide (DMF) as a solvent and 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator at 70degreesC. The copolymers were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Copolymer compositions were determined by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The monomer reactivity ratios were evaluated by the Fineman-Ross method. Average molecular weight and polydispersity index were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the intrinsic viscosities of polymers were also discussed. Thermogravimetric analyses of polymers were carried out under a nitrogen atmosphere. The homo- and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.