AQUEOUS-SOLUTION PROPERTIES OF POLY(TRIMETHYL ACRYLAMIDO PROPYL AMMONIUM IODIDE) [POLY(TMAAI)]

The aqueous solution properties of a cationic poly (trimethyl acrylami do propyl ammonium iodide) [poly (TMAAI)] were studied by measurements of reduced viscosity, intrinsic viscosity, and flocculation test. The reduced viscosity and intrinsic viscosity of this cationic polyelectr olyte were related to the types and concentration of added salt. ''Sof t'' salt anions were more easily bound on the quaternary ammonium (R4N +) of poly (TMAAI) than those of ''hard'' salt anions. Halide anions a re hard anions; consequently, hard cations were more easily attracted to halide anions for reducing the binding degree of halide anion on th e quaternary ammonium group (R4N+). Some salt ions were observed to st rongly attract the quaternary ammonium of the cationic polymeric side chain for coagulation of the polymers. This effect would make the poly meric aqueous solution become turbid. The intrinsic viscosity behavior for cationic polyelectrolyte resulting from the electrostatic repulsi ve force of the polymer chain is contrasted with polyampholyte. A comp arison of various flocculants as to the effect of flocculation was als o studied. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.