THERMAL AND DILUTE-SOLUTION PROPERTIES OF ZWITTERIONIC COPOLYMERS

We report the synthesis, characterization, thermal and dilute-solution properties of zwitterionic copolymers of the sulfobetaine type, where the proportion of ionic groups is varied over a wide range. Two different structures are considered: poly(2-vinyl pyridine sulfopropyl betaine) and poly(4-vinyl pyridine sulfopropyl betaine). Synthesis is carried out to obtain random copolymers which are further characterized and their ionic content determined. At low proportions of ionic groups, the behavior is similar to that observed in ionomers, with substantial differences between the two structures. Increased interaction among the zwitterionic groups at higher charge densities is evidenced, which leads to the formation of clusters and agglomerates. An increase in the intrinsic viscosity with salt content in aqueous solutions is also observed. This behavior is analogous to that of homopolymers with 100% ionic content, but with particular features of interest.