Polymer, Vol.44, No.2, 341-345, 2003
Siloxane-modified poly(acrylic acid) synthesized in supercritical CO2
Copolymerization of acrylic acid and 3-[tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl]propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) in supercritical carbon dioxide was successfully carried out. The products were obtained in the form of dry white powder with diameter about 0.2 mum. Viscosities of 2% aqueous solution of the copolymers dramatically increased as the content of TMSPMA in the copolymer increased and it was much higher than that of poly(acrylic acid). In addition, the viscosity of the copolymers showed a strong dependence on pH with a maximum at pH 5.0, which is due to the cooperation of intermolecular association and electrostatic repulsion.