| Abstract: | ABA block-copolymers in which the A segments are capable of forming complexes and B is a non-complexing segment, have been used to prepare polymer materials with properties that can be changed by adding a complexing agent. The complex forming segments were poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) and poly(N-tert-butylethylenimine) (PTBEI). Commercially available liquid ABA block-copolymers, in which A is PEO and B is poly(propylene oxide), were investigated with high molar mass poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as the complexing agent for PEO. It was found that the mixtures containing 3 to 7 wt.-% of PAA, showed a marked shear-thickening behavior leading eventually to gelation. This was attributed to the transformation of intramolecular polymer complexes, at low shear rates, to intermolecular complexes, at high shear rates, due to the chain stretching of PAA. ABA copolymers in which A is LPEI or PTBEI and B polytetra-hydrofuran (PTHF), were prepared. Complexation of these copolymers with low molecular weight poly-acids or PAA in polar and non-polar solvents as well as in bulk have been investigated. ABA copolymers in which A is PEO and B a PTHF segment were prepared. These block-copolymers show two melting points: one at appr. 55°C, due to the PEO segments, and one at appr. 30°C due to the PTHF. Upon addition of alkali metal salts such as sodium iodide or sodium thiocyanate, complexes with PEO are formed and as a consequence, the melting point of the PEO segments shifts to appr. 160°C. The complexed materials behave as thermoplastic elastomers up to that temperature. |
