The structure of complexes between a cross-linked polyacrylic acid and
a cationic surfactant such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) h
as been studied by SANS and SAXS. The polycomplexes were found to be c
omposed of a set of charged lamellae of surfactant ions embedded in th
e oppositely charged network of cross-linked polyacrylic acid via elec
trostatic interactions.