Association phenomena between copolymers of p‐styrenesulfonate(Cs+)/3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane and hydroxypropylcellulose in aqueous solution and solvent‐cast films

Abstract

AbstractAssociation between copolymers of p‐styrenesulfonate (Cs+)/3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane [copolySS(Cs+)/MAPTMS], and hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) are shown to exist in dilute aqueous solution. Gels form at concentrations as low as 0.05 g/dL. The tendency to form gels is a function of mol % MAPTMS in the copolymer and molecular weight of HPC. Gels can be dispersed by the addition of dimethylformamide (DMF), a known disruptor of hydrogen bonding. Homopolymers of SS(Cs+) and MAPTMS were also prepared. PolyMAPTMS shows anamolous behavior with regards to association with HPC in that gels form to a lesser degree than the trend exhibited by the copolymers. This is rationalized on the basis of the lack of chain expansion due to the absence of salt groups and their intrapolymer repulsions. In addition to the hydrodynamic data, the phase relationship of blends of HPC with either copolySS(Cs+)/MAPTMS, polySS(Cs+), or polyMAPTMS cast from aqueous solution strongly suggests specific interactions between polymers.