Poly(complexes) Stabilized by Acid-Base Interactions: Poly(4-vinylpyridine) and Poly(ethylene-co-maleic acid)

Interpolymer complex (IC) formation between poly(ethylene-co-maleic acid) and poly(4-vinylpiridine) (P4VPy) has been observed and characterized. Data from viscosity, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis show the presence of an interpolymer complex depending on the composition and pH of the solution. The driving force for poly(complex) formation seems to be the specific acid-base interactions between free carboxylic groups of the copolymer and the pyridine nitrogen of P4VPy.