An investigation into the synthesis and crosslinking of some polymers containing cyclopropyl groups

The thesis describes an investigation into the use of polymers containing cyclopropyl groups as network forming materials. The initial route investigated involved the synthesis and homopolymerization of novel acrylate and methacrylate monomers containing cyclopropyl groups. Preliminary crosslinking experiments revealed the unsuitability of this approach. The second route examined involved the synthesis of a series of all hydrocarbon copolymers containing pendant cyclopropyl groups. Crosslinking experiments using a variety of initiators demonstrated the feasibility, in principle, of the proposed network forming system. In order to provide a practical crosslinking system further investigation into suitable initiators would be required.