Study of Cu2+-poly(itaconic acid-co-acrylic acid) complex and copper-polymer nanocomposites

Summary Ultrafine copper particles with diameters in the range of nanometer scale have been prepared in a polymer matrix, using ionic aggregates in Cu²⁺-random poly(itaconic acid-co-acrylic acid) complex precursor films as “microreactors” of controllable size.The morphology and formation of metallic copper particles were studied by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results from the measurements indicate the copper ions were transformed into nanocrystalline by in situ chemical reduction. It was also found that the polymer chains prohibited the excessive aggregation of the metal atoms and have protective effect on the ultrafine copper particles. Received: 20 May 1998/Revised version: 4 September 1998/Accepted: 16 September 1998