Macromolecules, Vol.27, No.26, 7669-7676, 1994
Thermoreversible Gelation of Solutions of Syndiotactic Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) in Toluene - A 2-Step Mechanism
The thermoreversible gelation of solutions of syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) in toluene has been studied by different experimental techniques. A combination of calorimetric, infrared, fluorescence, light scattering, and theological observations supports the two-step gelation mechanism, proposed in a previous paper. A fast intramolecular conformational change is followed by an intermolecular association. The change in molecular mobility during the gelation process has been followed by H-1 NMR. Further support for the two-step mechanism has been found in the temperature dependence of the fluorescence properties of a probe covalently attached to the polymer chain. Finally, a concentration-temperature diagram for the polymer-solvent system has been constructed;
Keywords:ORDERED STRUCTURES;FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY;CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR;STEREO ASSOCIATION;STEREOREGULAR PMMA;DILUTE-SOLUTIONS;AGGREGATION;STEREOCOMPLEX;SOLVENT