Metal polymers .13. Synthesis and molecular weights of metal poly(styrene-co-butyl methacrylate)

Styrene-co-butyl methacrylate colloids were obtained by codeposition at 77 K of the monomers with several metals such as Pd, Au, Ag, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Ge, Sn, Sb and Bi. The colloids were copolymerized with different amounts of initiator (BPO) at 65 degrees C for 3.0 h and a wide range of viscosity average molecular weights (<(M)over bar v>, 10(4)-10(5) g/mol) were obtained depending upon the metal used. The metal colloid concentration and stability are reported. A medium particle size of 60-244 Angstrom comonomer colloids was found. The thermal stability and metal composition are also described. The copolymers are stable even at 380 degrees C, Ga- poly(styrene-co-butyl methacrylate) being the most stable with 418 degrees C. The metal content is ranging between 0.10 and 2.26% w/w for the highest MW fraction and between 0.20 and 2.41% w/w for the lowest MW fraction. Copolymers with different colors were obtained depending on the metal used.