METAL-ION EFFECTS IN IONIC COPOLYMERS

This paper presents a discussion of four areas in which the interactio n between organic polymers and metal species is of importance. The fir st section discusses the effect of metal ions in random ionomers in bu lk, where the presence of ions strongly influence the mechanical prope rties. The next topic covers the influence of metal ions on aqueous so lutions of block copolymers, and describes the morphogenic effects see n in such systems. The third section deals with the use of metal ions in non-aqueous solutions of block copolymers leading to the formation of microreactors with a high degree of size control. Finally, the atta chment of organometallic species to the corona of block copolymer mice lles in non-aqueous solution is discussed in terms of the effect of th e metal on the micelle dimensions.