Influence of Solution pH on the Nanostructure of Adsorption Layer of Selected Ionic Polyamino Acids and Their Copolymers at the Solid-Liquid Interface

Abstract

Polymers adsorption at the solid–liquid interface is a very sophisticated process depending on various factors, but at the same time this phenomenon finds numerous applications in many industrial branches as well as in human activities (Wiśniewska et al. React Funct Polym 72:791–798, 2012). The interactions between the adsorbent and the particular copolymer blocks are decisive for macromolecular substance binding on the solid particles surface. The structure of the polymer adsorption layer formed at the solid–liquid interface also depends on the forces present between the segments belonging to different macromolecules. As a result, complex aggregates may be formed on the solid surface (Louget et al. J Colloid Interface Sci 359:413–422, 2011). Additionally, the key role in the ionic copolymers adsorption phenomena is played by the solution pH, which affects the binding mechanism (Hoogeveen et al. Faraday Discuss 98:161–172, 1994).