Interaction of linear polyelectrolytes with oppositely charged lightly cross-linked networks

The processes proceeding at the contact of highly swollen lightly cross-linked polyelectrolyte networks with aqueous solutions of oppositely charged linear polyions were studied. The reactions under discussion proceed as frontal processes and follow by strong (three orders of magnitude) contraction of the gel sample. The existence of sharp boundary between outer weakly swollen layer which is the reaction product-interpolyelectrolyte complex and the highly swollen inner part which is the initial unconverted gel is characteristic for the process. The kinetics of linear polyions absorption by polyelectrolyte networks and factors controlling the rate of sorption such as chemical structure of polyelectrolytes, nature and concentration of simple salts, pH, temperature were investigated. The "relay-race" mechanism of linear polyelectrolyte transport was established.