Topologically Controlled Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes

The complexation of a cylindrical polyelectrolyte−brush−surfactant complex (PMMPSS−C12) and an oppositely, highly charged cylindrical polyelectrolyte−brush (PMMPEI−PEO) in dimethylformamide (DMF) leads to the formation of kinetically controlled interpolyelectrolyte complexes. In contrast, complexation employing a slightly charged PMMPEI−PEO results in topologically controlled complexes possessing cylindrical morphologies. The composition of the complexes is analyzed by light scattering and atomic force microscopy. In the investigated range of composition, the complexes consist of one PMMPSS−C12 and, with increasing content of PMMPEI−PEO, a growing number of PMMPEI−PEO. The results indicatein contrast to the commonly described interpolyelectrolyte complexationthat the formed complexes are independent of the polymer concentration and the sequence of addition. Also, from detailed analysis of the light scattering data it can be argued that the complexes are able to equilibrate.