SYNTHESIS OF A STABLE, FOAMABLE, GOLD-CONTAINING ORGANIC CARBOXYLATE POLYMER

The functionalized polyethylene acrylic acid copolymers Primacor 1430 (P1430, containing 9.5% acrylic acid) and Primacor 5980 (P5980, contai ning 20% acrylic acid) have been used to synthesize gold/polymer dispe rsions and gold/polymer ionomers, respectively. When [Ph3PAu]+ is bond ed directly to the carboxylate, work-up of the polymer leads to decarb oxyation and metallic gold formation. However, ionic bonding of [(Ph3P )2Au]+, and related bis phosphine cations produce workable, foamable p olymers. Analysis shows samples from these reactions to contain betwee n 4-15 wt % of Au depending on the type of gold complex used and the r eaction conditions. The gold /polymer (ionomer) sample with-about 12% Au has been worked to mold sheets of foam. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.