Interpolymer complex between poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(acrylic acid): Viscometric studies in THF‐water mixtures

Systematic studies were performed on interpolymer complex formation between Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in THF‐water mixtures of different compositions. Viscosity behaviour during complex formation in mixed solvents was found to be entirely different from that observed by other workers in aqueous and in pure organic solvents. The result are interpreted in terms of, (a) preferential solvation of the polymer, (b) Probable change in conformation of the polyelectrolyte moleculer. (c) association of complex molecules in a medium of low dielectric constant, and (d) expected disordering of bound water molecules around PEO by THF. Irrespective of solvent composition, interpolymer complex of PAA and PEO was always found to have 1:1 unit mole ratio.