SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1994
STP15376S

Glass Transition(s) of Ionomers

Source

Ionomers are predominantly nonpolar polymers that contain a small amount of bonded salt groups. Microphase separation of ion-rich microdomains occurs as a consequence of the thermodynamic incompatibility of the salt groups and the polymer matrix and associative interactions between salt groups. Associations of the salt groups usually increase the glass transition of the continuous matrix phase, presumably as a consequence of the inhibition of chain mobility that accompanies physical crosslinking. The central question raised in this paper is whether the dispersed ion-rich microphase exhibits a glass transition. Although no glass transition for the microphase is detected by calorimetry, a dynamic mechanical relaxation is commonly observed above the Tg of the matrix phase. This transition has some of the attributes of a glass transition, but it is not clear what is the actual relaxation process that is measured. This paper discusses the effect of the ionic groups on the matrix glass transition, the origin of the high-temperature dynamic mechanical transition, and the effects of the addition of plasticizers on the Tg of the matrix and the higher temperature mechanical relaxation.

Author Information

Weiss, RA
Institute of Materials Science, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
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Developed by Committee: E37
Pages: 214–225
DOI: 10.1520/STP15376S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5287-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1995-6