PREFACE
In this book, Chapter One discusses the structural properties and
phase behavior of neutral and partially charged diblock copolymers
in solution. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive study of the
complex physico-chemistry associated with the adsorption of polyelectrolyte
layers, both single layer or multilayers formed for oppositely charged
polyelectrolytes, onto solid surface, paying special attention to the adsorption
of polyelectrolytes onto charged surfaces. Chapter Three presents the
complexation of the linear, inherently hydrophobic, anionic polyelectrolyte
poly[sodium (sulfamate/carboxylate)isoprene] (SCPI) with the cationic
surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTMAB), studied mainly by
light scattering methods.
Chapter 1 – 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 the degree of ionization and
ionic strength. The polyelectrolyte aspect together with the amphiphilic
character and the impacting solvent quality lead to peculiar solution properties
combining structural and phase behavior. The random phase approximation