Interpolyelectrolyte reaction between the particles of oppositely charged microgels

Abstract

Processes that take place in oppositely charged microgel particles were studied. It was shown that water-swollen microgel particles about 100 μm in size were capable of interacting in dilute and concentrated dispersions to produce continuous dispersed systems. This interaction is accompanied by the release of water and low-molecular-mass counterions of network polyelectrolytes. Their liberation is due to the interpolyelectrolyte reaction between peripheral regions of unlike charged microgel particles in the particle contact zone.