The reaction between poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and Cu2+ ions was studie
d at different ion concentrations and different degrees of neutralization o
f carboxy groups. Three types of Cu2+ complexes were found to form in the P
MAA-Cu2+ system: mononuclear tetragonal complexes; polynuclear associates (
clusters) with exchange interactions; and Cu2+ nitrate adsorbed on the PMAA
surface. The limiting "capacity" for complexation is determined for the po
lymer The neutralization of a solution of poly(methacrylic acid) with NaOH
in the course of complexation with the Cu2+ ions gives rise to the structur
al changes in the metal-containing polymer. At a low degree of neutralizati
on (alpha = 0.1), the polynuclear clusters decompose to form Cu2+ dimers. E
PR parameters of the Cu2+ dimer were determined by computer simulation.