Intergel interpolyelectrolyte reaction and synthesis of hybdrid composites based on charged microgels and inorganic nanocrystals

We have studied the interaction between oppositely charged microparticles of polyelectrolyte hydrogels whose low-molecular-mass counterions form insoluble compounds. The intergel polyelectrolyte reaction of such polymers leads to formation of a crystalline compound in the microgel mixture phase. The asprepared samples are composites containing, along with unreacted microgel regions, the interpolyelectrolyte complex comprising the intercrystalline low-molecular-mass compound. It has been shown that both unreacted microgel regions and insoluble compound incorporated into the intergel complex can be involved in chemical modification.