Charge Modification as a Mechanism for Tunable Properties in Polymer–Surfactant Complexes

Oppositely charged polymer–surfactant complexes are frequently explored as a function of phase space defined by the charge ratio Z, (where Z = [+polymer]/[?surfactant]), commonly accessed through surfactant concentration. Tuning behaviour and related properties these is an important tool for optimising commercial formulations; hence, understanding relationship between bulk pertinent. Here, within homologous series cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (cat-HEC) polymers with minor perturbations in degree side chain modification, instead [+polymer] at fixed Cpolymer. The nanostructures were characterised small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) D2O solutions combination oppositely sodium dodecylsulfate (h- or d-SDS). Scattering consistent thin rods average radius ?7.7 Å length ?85 was observed all cat-HEC no significant interactions shown neutral HEC polymer SDS (CSDS < CMC). For charge-modified polymers, evident formed grew up to ?15 increasing Z. This study demonstrates novel approach which can be controlled concentrations.