PVA derivatives in Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers and films

The behavior of amphiphilic PVA derivatives- poly(vinyl alkylals) (includin g butyrals, octals, and benzals) and poly(vinyl stearates), having differen t degrees of substitution of the hydroxy groups, on the surface of distille d water and in the subphases containing I-2, CdI2, or CdCl2 was studied. A direct relationship was established between the physicochemical properties of mono- and multilayer films of these PVA derivatives and their structures . The properties of the films can be controlled by introducing various frag ments (differing by the structures and lengths of the aliphatic side chains ) into the macromolecular backbone, changing the degree of substitution of the hydroxy groups by these fragments, and by immobilizing I-2, CdI2, or Cd Cl2 from a subphase. Iodine and cadmium halides adsorbed on the surface of a monomolecular layer form associates with polymer molecules. The adsorptio n may have a physical, chemical, or mixed character, depending on the natur e of the compound adsorbed and the degree of substitution of the polymer hy droxy groups.