Structure formation and gelation phenomena in solutions of ternary interpolyelectrolyte complexes

Abstract

The representative of the new family of mechanically reversible gels is described. The gel is formed by mixing of an aqueous solution of non‐stoichiometric interpolyelectrolyte complex of poly (sodium methacrylate) and poly(N‐ethyl‐4‐vinylpyridinium bromide) containing a certain amount of covalent links between oppositely charged polyions, with aqueous solution of poly(potassium vinylsulfate). The gelation mechanism arises to the partial replacement of the electrostatic contacts between the polycation and poly(methacrylate) anion in the original polycomplex with those between the polycation and poly(vinylsulfate) polyanion. The network of the gel is most probably formed by the nodes consisting of covalent links and interpolyelectrolyte double‐strand electrostatic clusters, united by poly(sodium methacrylate) tie‐chains.

Manipulating the Morphologies of Cylindrical Polyelectrolyte Brushes by Forming Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes with Oppositely Charged Linear Polyelectrolytes: An AFM Study

“…Smart nanostructured polymers are of particular importance for the potential of building nanoscopic devices . Recently, coassembly processes in multicomponent polymer systems have attracted strong interest due to their versatility and multiresponsiveness of resulting nanostructures. − Among these systems, interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs), which form by the interaction of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, have been of particular interest since they may be applied in different areas like gene transfer − and layer-by-layer assembly, e.g., for capsules and nanotemplates. − In general, electrostatically driven assembly enables formation of complexes of polyelectrolytes with surfactants, colloidal particles, and, in particular, oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (IPECs). − Depending on the neutralization ratio, Z −/+ , of the two polyelectrolytes in solution, insoluble stoichiometric complexes or soluble nonstoichiometric complexes can be prepared. The driving force of the IPECs is mainly the entropy gain by liberating the condensed low-molecular-weight counterions into the solution.…”

Competitive interactions in hydrogel-interpolyelectrolyte complex systems

“…Only a few studies related to the above problems of branched and network polyelectrolytes can be men tioned [19][20][21]. It follows from the cited studies that investigating the role of the polyion architecture in the interpolyelectrolyte reactions must substantially advance the understanding of the processes of polyion transfer as well as open new horizons in the design of unconventional interpolymer compounds and related materials.…”