SYNTHESIS AND DILUTE-SOLUTION CHARACTERIZATION OF COMB POLYSTYRENES

Four new series of comb polystyrenes were prepared and characterized. The observed θ temperature depression of the combs can be described by Benoit's three parameter theory with Ψ1 = 0.32 and ( 1 3 - χ2) = 0.045. Also, the dimensions of the combs at θ agree reasonably with the theory. Intrinsic viscosity measurements were used to investigate m in g′ = gm th. A decrease of m from 3 2 to about 0.6 is found on decreasing gth at θA. At constant gth, m is slightly dependent on the comb structure. In a good solvent m varies less, an average m = 0.75 is found for the combs studied. The gel permeation chromatograms of the combs obey the universal calibration based on the hydrodynamic volume parameter. The glass transition temperatures of the combs depend on the number of end groups per unit volume, the branch points having a small Tg raising effect. © 1979.