Solvation of Synthetic and Natural Polyelectrolytes

In comparison with the extent to which solvation of simple ions has been studied [1–4], the present state of knowledge regarding hydration of polyions is relatively limited. The matter is, however, of great practical importance, since the ionization and resulting properties of ion-exchange resins and membranes, soil conditioners, and polyelectrolytes of biological significance depend very much on their hydration in the water medium. Further, the interactions of polyions with simple ions, and other polyions and small molecules, are of great importance in biological systems and, in general, in cytochemistry.