Influence of the Hydrophobicity of Polyelectrolytes on Polyelectrolyte Complex Formation and Complex Particle Structure and Shape

Polymers

Mandy Mende²  Simona Schwarz¹  Stefan Zschoche²  Gudrun Petzold² 

[1]Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Hohe Strasse 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany

关键词: hydrophobicity;    polyelectrolyte complex;    dynamic light scattering;    atomic force microscopy;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polym3031363

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) were prepared by structural uniform and strongly charged cationic and anionic modified alternating maleic anhydride copolymers. The hydrophobicity of the polyelectrolytes was changed by the comonomers (ethylene, isobutylene and styrene). Additionally, the n₋/n₊ ratio of the molar charges of the polyelectrolytes and the procedure of formation were varied. The colloidal stability of the systems and the size, shape, and structure of the PEC particles were investigated by turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Dynamic light scattering indicates that beside large PEC particle aggregates distinct smaller particles were formed by the copolymers which have the highest hydrophobicity (styrene). These findings could be proved by AFM. Fractal dimension (D), root mean square (RMS) roughness and the surface profiles of the PEC particles adsorbed on mica allow the following conclusions: the higher the hydrophobicity of the polyelectrolytes, the broader is the particle size distribution and the minor is the swelling of the PEC particles. Hence, the most compact particles are formed with the very hydrophobic copolymer.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.