Formation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes with controlled hydrodynamic radii in solutions

Interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) and comb-like amphiphilic polyelectrolyte poly(11-acryloyloxyundecyltrimethyl-ammonium) cation (PAUTA) were synthesized via polymerization of AUTA ionically bound to a PAMPS macromolecule. Nanoparticle dispersions with controlled hydrodynamic radii were prepared by varying molecular weight of the initial PAMPS. The morphology and sizes of IPEC dispersions were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Nanoparticles dispersions stability under different salt conditions was assessed.