STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES AND KINETICS OF POLYELECTROLYTE COMPLEXES

After a brief motivation and a preview of the general understanding of complex fluids, polyelectrolytes, coacervates and the theory of phase separation, the book deals with the general understanding of theory of various experimental techniques used. The interactions between oppositely charged biopolymers, and the influence of various physico-chemical parameters on the polyelectrolyte complex formation are described. Phase diagrams summarize the effect of pH, ionic strength, temperature and biopolymer concentration. The kinetics of self assembly on the surface as well as in the bulk is discussed. The fractal-like geomertical structures applicable to four different systems Diffusion Limited Aggregation, Diffusion Limited Cluster Aggregation, Reaction Limited Cluster Aggregation and Random Sequential Aggregation processes are highlighted in the specific context of polyelectrolyte complexes formed. Differential behavior of coacervates, gels and sols are reported and characterized in terms of various observable length scales. Syneresis observed in gels and coacervates is discussed in non- equilibrium thermodynamic model.