Amphiphilic polyelectrolyte networks derived from 2-oxazolines

Ionene graft copolymers and networks containing quaternary ammonium groups as linkages have been prepared by termination of living mono- and bifunctional poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) with poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate). Ionene networks of different density with p,p′-dichloroxylene and poly(2-alkyloxazoline)s as cross-linkers have been synthesized. The obtained graft and crosslinked copolymers are well defined and with controlled hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance. Viscosity examination and potentiometric titration of some of the products were carried out. Sorption ability towards Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺ and anion-exchange capacity were investigated as well. The pH dependence of the sorption of metal ions was evaluated.