Association phenomena of PMMA in solutions and gels

Abstract

Abstract Stereocomplex formation of isotactic and syndiotactic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) could be demonstrated using X‐ray, NMR, and viscosity techniques. In this paper it is shown by measurements of viscosity and investigation of swelling properties that the association of isotactic and syndiotactic sequences of the polymer occurs as well in the solutions and gels of atactic PMMA. From the temperature dependence of the reduced specific viscosity and the swelling it can be deduced that association causes network formation due to microcrystalline regions which have a melting point range. In solutions of toluene with mixtures of isotactic and syndiotactic PMMA an intermolecular association, with atactic PMMA an intramolecular association is discussed. In chloroform no association could be observed.