Soluble stoichiometric complexes from poly(N-ethyl-4-vinylpyridinium) cations and poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polymethacrylate anions

Block ionomer complexes formed between the block copolymers containing poly(sodium methacrylate) (PMANa) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEG) segments and poly(N-ethyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide) (PEVP) were investigated. The data obtained suggest that (i) these systems form water-soluble stoichiometric complexes; (ii) these complexes are stable in a much broader pH range compared to the polyelectrolyte complexes prepared from homopolymers; (iii) they self-assemble to form the core of a micelle comprised of neutralized polyions, surrounded by the PEO corona; (iv) they are salt sensitive since they fall apart as the salt concentration increases beyond a critical value; and (v) they can participate in the cooperative polyion substitution reactions. Therefore, these complexes represent a new class of hybrid materials which combine properties of polyelectrolyte complexes and block copolymer micelles.