Ions neutralized styrene-methacrylic

The samples were synthesized by the same techniques as those used for the styrene ionomers (12). The protonated styrene-methacrylic acid copolymers were prepared by thermal initiation. The polymerization took place in sealed glass tubes in the bulk at 80 °C after several freeze-thaw cycles. A conversion of 10% was obtained after 19 hr. The polymer was precipitated in methanol and neutralized in a benzene-methanol solution. A similar procedure was used for the deuterated samples except that the unreacted deuterated styrene monomer was evaporated prior to the precipitation. The mixing of the deuterated and protonated styrene copolymers was performed in a benzene solution by stirring for 1 hr. The benzene used as the solvent contained a minimum amount of methanol necessary to dissolve the ionomer (approximately 5-10% for the samples of high ion content). The samples were freeze-dried, then dried further at 60°-80°C under vacuum, and finally compression-molded at Tg - - 30°C. 

Most ion-exchange resins based on organic polymers are made by the process of suspension polymerization. The monomers can be neutral as in the case of styrene, divinylbenze, methyl acrylate, and acryonitirle, and the resulting polymer beads are then chemically modihed to introduce the acidic or basic functionality. Styrene-divinylbenzene-based ion exchangers are usually more hydrophobic than their more hydrophilic counterparts. The methacrylate matrix offers a more intermediate polarity and a less hydrophobic surface than styrenic-based materials. 

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