Viscoelastic properties of the salts of some polymeric acids

The mechanical properties of rigid polyelectrolyte-type polymers have been measured. Polymers studied include polyacrylic acid, copolymers of styrene and methacrylic acid, and their salts. Some of the test specimens were fabricated by a new technique involving the reaction of polyacids with metallic oxides in the form of mixed powders in a mould at high temperatures and pressures. Metallic salts of homopolymeric acids have no measurable softening temperature below their decomposition temperature, and they are characterized by elastic moduli several times greater than the corresponding moduli of ordinary organic polymers. Evidence is presented which indicates that hydrogen bonding plays a minor role in determining the mechanical and rheological properties of these polymers.