Flocculation of cationic polymers and nanosized particles

The flocculation of large cationic polymers and nanosized particles is inve stigated. It is found that the molecular architecture of the polymer (linea r or branched) is essential for the flocculation behavior. Only in the case of the linear polymer the degree of aggregation of the particles is import ant. The flocculation is a dynamic process where the particles affect the s tructure of the polyelectrolyte complex. The flocculation is affected by th e presence of simple electrolytes that screen the highly charged particles and the cationic groups on the macromolecules. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B. V. All rights reserved.