Abstract
The structure of PAA-PVA/CuS nanocompositions and the mechanism for formation and growth of particles of the disperse phase during reactions in situ in the bulk of swelled polymer matrices were studied by methods of x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The nanocompositions were obtained by the repeated treatment of polymer matrices with CuSO sub 4 and Na sub 2 S solutions (the method of cycle treatment). The maximum content of CuS in the compositions was approx50 vol.%. The formation of disperse phase particles involves the following processes in the polymer matrix: (i) interaction of S exp 2- ions with the coordinately bound Cu exp 2+ ions and the appearance of primary single-crystalline particles (4-6 nm), (ii) coagulation and coalescence of the primary particles with the formation of secondary single-crystalline (approx15 nm) and polycrystalline particles (approx60-70 nm), and (iii) precipitation of Cu exp 2+ and S exp 2- ions onto the outer and inner surfaces of coagulated particles.