A composition that includes a copolymer containing residues having the following structural units (I): ##STR1##

where n is an integer from 1 to 10,000; R¹ is linear or branched C₁ to C₄ alkyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of methyl, linear, cyclic, or branched C₂ to C₂₀ alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkaryl, and aralkyl; and R³ is a moiety comprising a group that is capable of undergoing a polymerization reaction when exposed to actinic radiation or ionizing radiation. The composition may be used to coat a substrate by providing a substrate; applying a layer of a radiation-curable composition that includes the copolymer described above over at least a portion of a surface of the substrate; and curing the radiation-curable composition by exposing the layer to actinic radiation in an amount sufficient to effect curing of the radiation-curable composition.