Hello everyone, I am try to understand the differences interaction between insoluble and soluble polymers in water with metal ions and how theit charge density (of metal ions) affect the interaction.
Dear Pablo Gonzalez, there are two criteria that define the solubility of a given polymer in a given solvent. First, they should have quite close polar/apolar character (reflected by the values of the solubility parameter). Second, the MW of the polymer should not be too high, i. e., below the critical MW for the occurrence of entanglements (these impede solubility by forming interchain knots). The interactions of metal inons with the polymer need the existence of ionizable groups on this later. These interactions in one approach is studied by the Manning's two phase condensation model theory. My Regards
- Soluble Polymers: Interact with metal ions throughout the solution, forming complexes and affecting solution properties. They exhibit changes in conformation and viscosity due to metal ion interactions.
- Insoluble Polymers: Interact with metal ions primarily at their surface, leading to adsorption and surface complexation. They may experience changes in surface properties and mechanical strength.
Interactions between metal ions and polymers differ between soluble and insoluble forms, with soluble polymers binding metal ions primarily through electrostatic forces, where higher charge density enhances binding strength. Insoluble polymers require ionizable groups and form crosslinked networks, affecting their interaction dynamics with metal ions.