Poly(organophosphazene) alloys: Polymer blends, and interpenetrating polymer networks

This thesis discusses the synthesis and investigation of poly(organophosphazene) alloys both polymer blends and interpenetrating polymer networks. The alloys are composed of polyphosphazenes and either organic or inorganic polymer systems. Specifically, this research focuses on (1) the preparation and characterization of polyphosphazene/organic polymer blends and the effects of time on the intermolecular interactions between the components, (2) the preparation and characterization of polyphosphazene/organic polymer interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), (3) the preparation and characterization of polyphosphazene/inorganic polymer blends and IPNs, (4) the preparation and characterization of ion complexing polyphosphazene IPNs, (5) the hydrolytic behavior of poly [bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene], and (6) the lamination of organic polymer surfaces with poly[bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)-phosphazene]. These materials were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray microanalysis.; The synthesis and characterization of polymer blends derived from poly(organo phosphazenes) and organic polymers is reported. The miscibility or immiscibility of the materials is influenced by the choice of organic side groups attached to the polyphosphazene backbone and the ratio of the two component polymers. DSC and TEM characterization data of freshly prepared semi-miscible samples are compared to those of samples prepared 5 years previously to determine the permanence of miscibility and estimate the strength of intermolecular interactions between the constituent polymers.; The synthesis of several new interpenetrating polymer networks composed of polyphosphazenes with of organic polymers is discussed. Full, sequential IPN's were prepared between poly[bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene] or poly[bis(propyl oxybenzoate)phosphazene] and several organic polymers including polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylatey), poly(acrylic acid), and polyacrylonitrile.; An investigation has been conducted of the materials level compatibility of several polyphosphazenes with polysiloxanes and polysilanes via the formation of polymer alloys and Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs). With one exception, the blends were found to be inuniscible and the IPNs were only slightly miscible. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...