Effect of ion association on the properties of ionomers obtained from methyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer

Abstract

The solution behaviour of Na, Ba, Zn and Al ionomers of methyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid copolymer (P(MMA-MAA)) with different ion contents has been studied by viscosity and dipole moment measurements. Two solvents with different character are chosen for viscosity measurements: dioxane ( ε = 2.22) and acetone ( ε = 20.7). The expected polyelectrolyte behaviour of the ionomers in acetone is reflected by the viscometric measurements. Mean squared dipole moment 〈 μ 2〉 values are calculated over a temperature range of 20–100°C in dioxane. Effects of neutralization, cation size and cation charge are discussed for each ionomer.