COMPLEXATION OF POLY(METHACRYLIC ACID) WITH POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL) NONIONIC SURFACTANTS IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS

The interaction between poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and surfactants based on poly(ethylene glycol) in aqueous solutions has been studied by viscometry and potentiometric titration. The interaction proceeds in two stages with increasing concentration of the surfactants. At first, the polycomplex (PMAA . surfactant) is formed. The structural state of the surfactant in the polycomplex depends on the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance of the surfactant. In the second stage at higher concentration of the surfactant, the polycomplex binds the micelles, forming an associate with two possible structures.