The interaction of cationic polymers with human hair

Abstract

Abstract We present a combination of electrochemical methods, i.e. polyelectrolyte titration and streaming potential measurement, and AFM to characterise the adsorption and desorption behaviour and the morphology of a set of polyquaternium polymers on human hair. Specific charge density and molar mass are correlated to the amount of adsorbed polymer and the ease of desorption. Results are in line with a simple model of coulombic interaction between hair and polymer and are interpreted on this basis.