Synthesis and properties of poly(methacrylic acid) doped with metal clusters

Methacrylic acid (MAA) colloids were obtained by cocondensation at 77 K of the monomer with several metals such as Pd, Ag, Au, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Ge, Sn, Sb and Bi. The colloids were polymerized with different amounts of initiator dibenzoyl peroxide at 65 degrees C for 40 min and a wide range of viscosity average molecular weights ((M) over bar v 10(4)-10(5)) were obtained depending upon the metal used. GPC for homopolymer was measured. The metal colloid concentration and stability are described. Most of the polymers exhibit two decomposition decays around 250 and 450 degrees C, Pd-PMAA bring the most stable (257 and 468 degrees C). The metal content ranges between 0.2 and 6.0% w/w, for the highest MW fraction. The particle size of some clusters dispersed in the polymers ranges from 60 to 90 Angstrom. From an ultramicrotome slice of 500 Angstrom, the Au clusters in the polymer bulk exhibit a 125 Angstrom size. The metal clusters are incorporated and dispersed in the polymer. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.