The free-radical copolymerization of N-maleoylglycine with hydroxymethylacrylamide was studied, with the starting monomer compositions ranging from 25 to 75 mol %. The copolymer compositions were obtained by elemental analysis from the N/C weight percentage ratio. The monomer reactivity ratios were estimated by the classical Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos linear procedure methods. The experimental data indicated random comonomer incorporation. The thermal behavior of the copolymers was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry techniques under a nitrogen atmosphere. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.