Abstract

Methacrylic acid (MAA) colloids were obtained by cocondensation at 77 K of the monomer with several metals such as Pd, Ag, Au, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Ge, Sn, Sb and Bi. The colloids were polymerized with different amounts of initiator dibenzoyl peroxide at 65°C for 40 min and a wide range of viscosity average molecular weights (M̄v 104–105) were obtained depending upon the metal used. GPC for homopolymer was measured. The metal colloid concentration and stability are described. Most of the polymers exhibit two decomposition decays around 250 and 450°C, Pd–PMAA being the most stable (257 and 468°C). The metal content ranges between 0.2 and 6.0% w/w, for the highest MW fraction. The particle size of some clusters dispersed in the polymers ranges from 60 to 90 Å. From an ultramicrotome slice of 500 Å, the Au clusters in the polymer bulk exhibit a 125 Åsize. The metal clusters are incorporated and dispersed in the polymer.