Interpolymer association between poly(acrylic acid) and vinyl alcohol‐vinyl acetate copolymers in dilute aqueous solutions

Abstract

Abstract Interpolymer association and complexation between poly(acrylic acid) and vinyl alcohol‐vinyl acetate copolymers (PVAL‐AC) in dilute aqueous solutions were investigated by means of reduced viscosity and pH measurements. The influence of the degree of saponification of PVAL‐AC and of the molecular weight of both polymers on complexation were examined. The viscosity measurements show the formation of gel‐like or compact complexes and that association is strongly increased by the presence of acetate units in the PVAL‐AC copolymer. The degree of complexation was calculated from the results of pH measurements. Some special aspects of the two different experimental approaches are discussed.