Preparation of Ionomer Poly (Ethyl Vinyl Ether- Maleic Anhydride) Block Copolymer via In Situ Radical Polymerization Incorporated by ZnO and MgO Nanoparticles

Abstract

The current study deals with synthesizing of alternative copolymer of poly (ethyl vinyl ether- maleic anhydride) (PEVE-MA), using maleic anhydride (MA) and ethyl vinyl ether (EVE) as monomers, via a simple and cost-effective method of free-radical polymerization followed by incorporation of ZnO and MgO nanoparticles into the prepared copolymer. In fact, introduction of ionic groups in the polymer backbone, so-called ionomers, open the way to new applications where ionic groups can act as physical and chemical cross-linkers that greatly modify the final mechanical and thermal properties of the materials. Furthermore, the hydrophilicity of the polymer chains can be enhanced by the presence of the ionic species, and so the materials can be processed as conventional dispersions even in a polar solvent such as water. PEVE-MA ionomers were prepared by partial neutralization of PEVE-MA. Subsequently, two categories of bulk and nanoparticles were incorporated into the copolymer. In both cases, the incorporation of the ionic groups increased the melting point, which was higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg), and enhanced the Tg of PEVE-MA by 35–40°C. The pristine copolymer was a fine white powder, but the introduction of the ionic groups changed its physical and chemical properties due to the physical cross-links formed by intermolecular interactions of the ionic dipoles.