Spontaneous vesicle formation in aqueous mixtures of cationic surfactants and partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide

Spontaneous vesicle formation was observed in aqueous mixtures of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide and single-tailed cationic surfactants. The infl uences of pH, addition of long-chain alcohols, variation of hydrocarbon cha in length, and head group size of the cationic surfactants were investigate d systematically. It was found that 30-50% hydrolyzed degree of polyacrylam ide and cationic surfactants with 10 or 12 methylene groups are suitable fo r vesicle formation in the mixed aqueous systems at pH 9.2. Addition of lon g-chain alcohols was found to be helpful for vesicle formation in some case s. The vesicle stability was also investigated at various temperatures and amounts of ethanol addition. (C) 2001 Academic Press.