Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions
Published on: October 10, 2016
Effects of the neutralization degree on morphologies in "drying-mediated" samples of sodium neutralized
Jeong-A Yu1, Yu-Ri Park, Joon-Seop Kim
1Department of Science Education, Chosun University, Gwangju, 501-759 Korea.
Abstract:
To understand the effect of neutralization degree on surface morphologies of drying-mediated samples, un-neutralized, partially and fully Na-neutralized poly(styrene-ran-methacrylic acid) (PSMAA) prepared from THF solutions were investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). We varied the content of acid groups as well as the degree of neutralization of the PSMAA copolymers. The neutralization degree changed the surface morphologies of the polymers significantly. When the acid group content was low (<9.4 mol%), the morphologies of PSMAA were found to be very similar to that of homo-PS, forming a continuous matrix with a number of circular pores. Upon neutralization, the shape of the pores changed to non-circular form and the porous matrix was mingled with the congregated aggregates. With increasing neutralization degrees, the boundary between porous films and deformed sphere-shaped aggregates became unclear. For fully neutralized forms, only highly porous layered films were formed, indicating micro phase separation between solvent and aggregated copolymer networks.
More Related Videos
09:02Using Polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid)-coated Metal Nanoparticles as Monomers for Their Homo- and Co-polymerization
Published on: July 9, 2015
12:07Fabricating Degradable Thermoresponsive Hydrogels on Multiple Length Scales via Reactive Extrusion, Microfluidics, Self-assembly, and Electrospinning
Published on: April 16, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity
Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers I
Determination of Molar Masses of Polymers II
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers