Soluble copolymers of a series of bromine-containing (N-maleimido phenoxy) silane (BMS) monomers with styrene (St) were synthesized by radical polymerization in toluene using 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. The comonomer reactivity ratios were calculated by the conventional Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tüdos methods and a nonlinear least-squares Tidwell-Mortimer method. The glass transition temperatures (T g 's) and thermal degradation of copolymers were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) respectively. The introduction of silane side-chain into maleimide (MI) monomers changed the comonomer reactivity ratio with styrene from alternating to azeotropic copolymerization. The curves of T g 's versus the different compositions of the above synthesized St-BMS copolymers matched a modified T g 's equation as a increase in the effect of weight ratio on alternating-segment, and an S-shaped curve of deviation in comparison with the Fox's equation. The MIsegments within these copolymers exhibited a good compatibility and, the flame retardancy of polystyrene could be enhanced via the introduction of Si/Brcontaining maleimide.
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