Solvent effect on the formation of poly(methacrylic acid)‐poly(<i>N</i>‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) complex through hydrogen bonding

Abstract

Abstract An interpolymer complex can be obtained by mixing the solutions of poly(methacrylic acid) and poly( N ‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone). Three phase changes were observed on increasing the initial polymer concentration: namely, a homogeneous solution, a precipitate, and a gel. Such interpolymer complex formations were examined in several protic and aprotic solvents. The obvious relationship between the complex formation and the dielectric constant of the solvent was eludicated. The effect of hydrophobic interactions on the complex formation was also discussed as well as the role of the α‐methyl group of poly(methacrylic acid).