Interpolymer complexes comprising block copolymers due to specific interactions

Two kinds of supramolecular assembly, i.e., macromolecular complex comprisi ng block copolymers were investigated by viscometry and static and dynamic light scattering. In the blend solutions of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacry late) (PS-b-PMMA) and hydroxyl-containing modified polystyrene (PS(OH)), th e hydrogen bonding between the PMMA block and PS(OH) leads to the complex f ormation. In the solutions of Zn sulfonated poly(styrene-b-ethylene-co-prop ylene) (ZnSSEP) and poly(butyl methacrylate-co-vinyl pyridine) (BVP), the l igand-metal coordination between BVP and the polystyrene ionomer block caus es complexation. Both kinds of complexation induce nano-size, soluble compl exes with micelle-like structure, which is stabilized in the solutions by t he soluble, non-complexed blocks. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.