The Li-, Na- and K salts of poly(itaconic acid) (PIA) were prepared by
treating the polyacid with the corresponding aqueous hydroxide. The r
esulting polysalts were analysed by elemental analysis, FTIR spectrosc
opy and thermogravimetry. The results indicate that the polysalts are
thermally more stable than the parent PIA, they all degrade in a simil
ar manner and somewhat more complexly than the poly(methacrylic acid)
salts.