Hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes in dilute salt-free solutions

The universal diagram of states of hydrophobically modified polyelectrolyte s in dilute salt-free solutions is calculated in the framework of the scali ng approach. The equilibrium conformations of these polymers were classifie d using two parameters-geometric: and energetic ratios of hydrophobic and p olyelectrolyte blocks in unassociated states (the ratio of block sizes and the ratio of block energies). The hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes self-organize either into necklaces of hairy, crew-cut, or braided micelle s or into wormlike cylindrical micelles depending on the values of these tw o parameters. The universal diagram of states is modified by the counterion condensation.