This artide desdbes a g w p of k " t a i n l n g polymers calkd homers. the focus being on ethylene-. styrene-, and ethyl acrylate-based materiais. Ion aggregation in these polymers is discussed, extensive experimental evidence indicating two types of aggregates: multiplets and clusters. Attempts to elucidate tl-m sbuchne of ionomers thrwgh models and theories are summarized. Concerning the properties of bulk ionomers. melt viscosities. glass-transition temperatures. and rubbery moduli are shown to be raised drastically by ion introduction. In particular. the effects on the modulus-temperature. stress relaxation. and dynamic mechanical characteristics, on crystallinity, and on melt rheology are examined. Selective plastC cization is also discussed. Where possible. structure-property relations are explained, particulariy as concerns the degree of clustering and the sizes and strengths of clusters. Molecular parameters influencing ion aggregation and ionomer properties include the dielectric constant of the backbone, position and type of ionic group, counterion type, and degree of neutralization. 277.
,