| Polyelectrolytes in very dilute solution exist as single chains. These single chains undergo a change in size from an expanded coil to a collapsed globular state upon addition of salt. The effects of NaCl, CUSo4 and AgNO3 on the collapse transition of polyacrylic acid were investigated. Gamma irradiation was used to permanently form the collapsed coils and reduce the metal ions. Novel particles in the form of polymer spheres and polymer-metal nanocomposites were observed and characterized. |
