Statistical copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and phenoxyethyl methacrylate via RAFT polymerization: monomer reactivity ratios, thermal properties, kinetics of thermal decomposition and self-assembly behavior in selective solvents

In this article, statistical copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and phenoxyethyl methacrylate were successfully prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), using [O-ethylxanthyl)methyl]benzene as a chain transfer agent (CTA). The reactivity ratios of the system were calculated using the Fineman–Ross, inverted Fineman–Ross, Kelen–Tüdos and extended Kelen–Tüdos graphical methods along with the computer program COPOINT, with the latter providing the most accurate results for the penultimate model. The thermal properties were examined via DSC and TGA, with P(NVP-stat-POEMA) 50–50 displaying the highest thermal stability. Finally, the micellization behavior in a selective solvent was explored, indicating the formation of monomolecular micelles for all samples.