Abstract
Epoxy copolymers containing oxime urethane groups were prepared by the polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate and N-[5-(benzophenoneoximinocarbonylamino)pentanyl]maleimide (BOPM). Their physical properties were characterized by GPC, DSC and TGA analyses. Photochemical changes of the copolymers were studied by UV, IR spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. A photoinduced cross-linking reaction in copolymer films was observed by measuring the insoluble fraction. Irradiation of the copolymers at 254 nm UV light leads to the formation of pendant amino groups by photodissociation of the oxime-urethane groups. Treatment of the amino groups with HCl resulted in the formation of ammonium salts, which changed the polymer surface to be hydrophilic. An insoluble fraction of the copolymers increased with irradiation time, heating time, and heating temperature. Cross-linking of the epoxy resin effectively catalyzed by the photogenerated pendant amines upon heating.