Macromolecules · 2005 · 35 citations · 35 references
Natural SciencesChemistryMaterials SciencePhysical ChemistryPolymer ChemistryPolymer MaterialsPolymer CharacterizationPolymer MorphologyPolymer Phase BehaviorPolymer PhysicsPolymer StructurePolymerization ChemistryAtom Transfer Radical PolymerizationPolyelectrolyte BehaviorPolyelectrolytesPolymer Concentration DependencePolymer Concentration EffectsSmall-angle X-ray ScatteringSmall-angle X-ray Scattering AnalysisStar Polymers
Star-shaped poly( tert -butyl acrylate)s were synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. Subsequently, star-shaped poly(acrylic acid)s were induced by hydrolysis of tert -butyl units. The structural ordering of these stars was investigated through small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in aqueous solution. Star with f = 30 and f = 97 formed a bcc structure above the overlap threshold ( C *). The viscoelastic behavior of the stars was also investigated. This system showed the transition from a Maxwellian fluid of a weak liquid ordering to a solid of macrolattice structure with increasing the polymer concentration. This result reflected the stronger interaction among star polyelectrolytes at higher polymer concentration.
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