Polyelectrolytes: Theory, Properties and Applications

In: Polyelectrolytes ISBN: 978-1-63485-836-
Editor: Philip Guerrero © 2016 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Chapter 1

STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES AND PHASE

BEHAVIOR OF NEUTRAL AND PARTIALLY

CHARGED DIBLOCK COPOLYMERS

IN SOLUTION

F. Benmouna*, R. Kaci and M. Benmouna

Macromolecular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences,

University of Tlemcen, Algeria

ABSTRACT

Structural properties and phase behavior of neutral and partially

charged diblock copolymers dispersed in solution are investigated

using the random phase approximation with effective interactions taking

into account the excluded volume and the long range electrostatic

contributions. The mismatch of polymer/solvent solubility and inter block

repulsion are analyzed to highlight the interplay between macro and

microphase separation processes. For symmetrical diblock copolymers,

composition and total concentration fluctuations are decoupled, the

inter block incompatibility driven by ab is responsible for microphase

transition whereas the polymer/solvent interaction drives the macrophase

transition. The presence of charges on one block leads to polyelectrolyte

effects and compatibility enhancement which are investigated in terms of

• Macromolecular Research Laboratory; Faculty of Sciences University of Tlemcen; BP 119
  13000 Algeria. Email: [email protected].