Interpolymer complexes comprising block copolymers due to specific interactions

Two kinds of supramolecular assembly, i.e., macromolecular complex comprising block copolymers were investigated by viscometry and static and dynamic light scattering. In the blend solutions of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) and hydroxyl-containing modified polystyrene (PS(OH)), the hydrogen bonding between the PMMA block and PS(OH) leads to the complex formation. In the solutions of Zn sulfonated poly(styrene-b-ethylene-co-propylene) (ZnSSEP) and poly(butyl methacrylate-co-vinyl pyridine) (BVP), the ligand–metal coordination between BVP and the polystyrene ionomer block causes complexation. Both kinds of complexation induce nano-size, soluble complexes with micelle-like structure, which is stabilized in the solutions by the soluble, non-complexed blocks.