Hybrid materials made from polymeric betaines and low molar mass salts

The blending of polyzwitterions with low molar mass salts, in particular with salts containing bulky, organic ions is studied. In many cases, homogeneous blends are obtained using stoechiometric amounts of salt, and in selected cases, the amounts of salt which can be admired is even substantially higher. In contrast to inorganic salts, bulky organic salts are efficient plasticizers. Although the fundamental interaction in such blends is of electrostatic nature, the miscibility depends in a subtle way on specific interactions between particular ionic groups as well as on the molecular structures of polymer and salt.