Equilibrium aggregation in perfluorinated ionomer solutions

The thermodynamically-driven side-side aggregation of perfluorinated ionomer solutions in which the aggregates break up at low concentration was studied. This aggregation which involves an equilibrium between aggregates and loose polymers was tested by dynamic light scattering to resolve a possible coexistence between large aggregates and loose polymers, dissolved molecularly. Results indicated a combined signal of loose polymers and aggregates in formamide solutions. The signals of the solvent-swollen membranes were similar to the signals in solution and showed a combined signal for formamide and methanol. For water solvent, a combined signal was only observed at high temperatures.