METAL POLYMERS .12. SYNTHESIS AND MOLECULAR-WEIGHTS OF METAL POLY(STYRENE-CO-ETHYL METHACRYLATE)

Styrene-co-ethyl methacrylate colloids were obtained by codeposition a t 77 K of the monomers with several metals such as Pd, Au, Ag, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Ge, Sn, Sb and Si. The colloids were polymerized with dif ferent amounts of initiator (BPO) at 65 degrees C for 3.5 h and a wide range of viscosity average molecular weights ((M) over bar v, 10(4)-1 0(5) g/mol) were obtained depending upon the metal used. The metal col loid concentration and stability are reported. The medium particle siz e of In comonomer colloids was 49 Angstrom. The thermal stability and metal composition are also described. The copolymers are stable even a t 310 degrees C; Pd-poly(styrene-co-ethyl methacrylate) being the most stable. The metal content ranging between 0.11 and 3.76% w/w for the highest MW fraction and between 0.08 and 0.96% w/w for the lowest MW f raction. Copolymers with different colors were obtained depending on t he metal used.