Ionic polymers, like elephants, are easier to recognise than to define. Several methods of classification have been attempted but none is wholly satisfactory because of the extreme diversity of ionic polymers, which range from the organic, water-soluble polyelectrolytes, through hydrogels and ionomer carboxylate rubbers, to the almost infusible inorganic silicate minerals. For this reason, a general classification is not only difficult, but has minimal utility. However, there are some characteristics of these materials that should be highlighted. The role of counterions is the significant...
Ionic polymers, like elephants, are easier to recognise than to define. Several methods of classification have been attempted but none is wholly satis...