The preparation and spectral characterisation of vinylferrocene–styrene copolymer latexes

A series of vinylferrocene–styrene copolymer latexes having different vinylferrocene to styrene ratios were prepared via a free radical mechanism. Theoretical DLVO calculations have been used to model the aggregation behaviour of the polymer latexes with respect to a change in particle zeta potential. It has been shown that a critical value of the zeta potential of approximately −25 mV is necessary to confer latex stability. The Mössbauer spectra of the copolymers at 78 K showed the doublet characteristic of that expected for ferrocene and vinylferrocene monomer. The spectra also revealed that a second iron site was present. The Mössbauer parameters were consistent with oxidation having occurred yielding the ferrocenium ion. At room temperature, however, there was little evidence of the spectrum due to ferrocene. The major spectral feature had parameters similar to those for the ferrocenium site observed at the lower temperatures. The values obtained in this study are compared with those previously reported for other ferrocene-containing polymers, which were explained in terms of a cross-linked structure in the polymer consisting of two ferrocene units.