Abstract

Styrene-ethyl methacrylate metal colloids were obtained by codeposition at 77 K of the monomers with several metals such as Pd, Au, Ag, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ga, In, Ge, Sn, Sb and Bi. The colloids were polymerized with different amounts of initiator (AlBN) at 65°C for 3.25 h and a wide range of viscosity average molecular weights ( M¯v 104 – 105) were obtained depending upon the metal used. The metal colloid concentration and stability are reported. The thermal stability and metal composition are also described. The copolymers are stable even at 380°C and In-(styrene-co-ethyl methacrylate) being the most stable (423°C). The metal content is ranging between 0.12 and 1.22% w/w. Copolymers with several colors were obtained depending on the metal and concentration used.