Polymer-surfactant association as seen by fluorescence

General aspects of association phenomena in polymer and surfactant solutions, with emphasis on mixed solutions, are outlined and the role of fluorescence as a key approach to unravel molecular mechanisms is reviewed. Some illustrations of how fluorescence spectroscopy has been successfully used to study important issues, such as molecular association, microstructure, and molecular dynamics, in these systems are considered. These achievements provide an important contribution to the understanding and control of macroscopic properties, biological functions, and industrial applications of these systems.