SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MODEL POLYETHER-ESTER IONOMERS

In this study, a series of polyether-ester ionomers was prepared by ne utralizing the carboxylic acid groups in 1 : 1 copolymers of benzenetr acarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and poly(tetramethylene oxide) or poly( ethylene oxide) glycol. The base polymers were in a liquid state while the ionomers were in solid state and a separate ionic phase was forme d. The local structure and the morphology of the ionomers were investi gated by dynamic mechanical analysis, Fourier transform infrared spect roscopy, and small-angle x-ray scattering as well as extended x-ray ab sorption fine structure. Clearly, the geometric structure of the ionic sites varied with the nature of the metal ions and the morphology of the ionomers was determined by the microstructure of the ion aggregate s. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.