Abstract

Isobutyl methacrylates colloids are obtained by codeposition at 77 K of the monomer with metals such as Cu, Ag and Au. The colloids were polymerized with different amounts of initiator (BPO) at 70°C for 85 min and a wide range of viscosity. Molecular weights (M v, 104-105 g/mol) were obtained depending upon the metal used. The metal colloid concentration and stability are reported. The medium particle size of 162 Å for Au and 33 Å for Ag colloid were obtained. The thermal stability and metal composition are also described. The polymers are stable even at 250°C and from the thermogravimetric curves the kinetic parameters of the decomposition reaction were obtained. The metal constant is ranging between 0.18 and 5.12% w/w for the highest MW fraction and between 0.13 and 0.74% w/w for the lowest MW fraction. Polymers with different colors were obtained depending on the metal used.