Intermacromolecular interactions involving linear and network polyacids and nonionic polymers

Interactions between linear and network polymers are studied in the case when one component is a polyacid and the other component is an uncharged polymer. It is shown that, under different reaction conditions, swelling or contraction of the polymer network can be observed for the same pair of reagents. It is found that, during consideration of the formation of an interpolymer complex between network and linear polymers, a distinction should be made between a semi-interpenetrating network and a hydrogel with a modified surface. The latter forms under conditions when the linear polymer practically does not penetrate the network and the complexation occurs predominantly on the sample surface.