Polyelectrolyte complex formation in highly aggregating systems. 1. Effect of salt: Polyelectrolyte complex formation in the presence of NaCl

Polyelectrolyte complex formation between components with strong ionic groups and high molecular weights were studied by static light scattering as a function of the mixing ratio and the ionic strength of the medium. Sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) and sodium poly(methacrylate) were used as polyanions and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and its copolymer with acrylamide were used as polycations. Very small amounts of sodium chloride lead to a drastic decrease of the level of aggregation, while higher ionic strength results in macroscopic flocculation.