Properties of block and graft copolymers of polybutadiene with small complexed poly(4-vinylpyridine) segments

Various diblocks, triblocks and a graft copolymer of butadiene with 4-vinylpyridine short blocks have been prepared. They were complexed with ZnCl₂ to give ionomer-like materials. For all copolymers, the T_g of the elastomeric block (?84°C to ?91°C) was unchanged by complexation. For all diblocks and triblocks with short blocks (DP _n ～ 3) the storage modulus was only slightly increased by comparison with uncomplexed materials. For the graft copolymer even with short blocks the material is less sensitive to temperature after complexation. For triblocks, when the DP _n of the vinylpyridine blocks was high enough (15 units), complexes were associated in multiplets of large size and the elastomeric properties were retained up to 200°C.