Interactions between gemini surfactant alkanediyl-α,ωα,ω-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) and polyelectrolyte NaPAA

Interactions between cationic gemini surfactant alkanediyl-α,ωα,ω-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (12-n  -12, n=3,4,6n=3,4,6) and oppositely charged polyelectrolyte sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) in aqueous solution have been investigated by measuring fluorescence, conductivity, UV–vis transmittance, dynamic lighting scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Micelle-like structure and 12-n-12/NaPAA complex are observed to form due to the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, and the effective diameter of the complex reduces with increasing 12-n-12 concentration. The microstructures of 12-n-12/NaPAA solution determined from fluorescence and electron microscopy measurements are in good agreement. The spacer length is found to play an important role in the interactions of 12-n-12 with NaPAA.

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