| abstract |
Ionomers comprising higher alkyl ammonium or quaternary polyammonium salts of polyacids, particularly sulfonic acids, having anionic groups covalently bonded to carbon atoms comprising a backbone chain of a polymer, or to acyclic, alicyclic or aromatic radicals which are pendant to the backbone chain of the polymer, are novel compositions of matter. These ionomers vary in properties from water-soluble polyelectrolytes useful as thickening agents to thermoplastic elastomers which can be extruded, injection molded, vacuum formed, etc. at elevated temperatures. The elastomers are useful as specialty and general purpose rubbers. |