2,5- Dichlorophenyl acrylate (DPA)-co-glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) polymers having five different compositions were synthesized in 1,4-dioxane using benzoyl eroxide as a free-radical initiator at 70 +/-0.5 degrees C. Using H-1-NMR spectroscopy, the composition of the two monomers in the copolymers was calculated by comparing the integral values of the aromatic and aliphatic proton peaks. The reactivity ratios were calculated by Fineman-Ross (r(1), = 0.31 and r(2) = 1.08), Kelen-Tudos (r(1) = 0.40 and r(2) = 1.15), and extended Kelen-Tuclos (r(1) = 0.39 and r(2) = 1.16) methods. The nonlinear error-in-variables model was used to compare the reactivity ratios. The copolymers were characterized by H-1 and proton decoupled C-13-NMR spectroscopes. Gel permeation chromatography was performed for estimating the M-w and M-n and M-w/M-n of the poly(DPA) and copolymers (DPA-co-GMA: 09 : 91 and 50 : 50). Thermal stability of the homo- and copolymers was estimated using TGA [poly(DPA) > DPA-co-GMA (50 : 50) > DPA-co-GMA (09:91)], while DSC was utilized for determining the glass transition temperature. T I increased with increased DPA content in the copolymer. The 50 : 50 mol % copolymer was chosen for curing with diethanolamine in chloroform. The cured resins were tested for the adhesive properties on leather at different temperatures (50, 90, 100, and 110 degrees C). The resin cured at 50 degrees C exhibited a maximum peel strength of 1.6 N/mm, revealing a good adhesive behavior. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.