U.S.-Czechoslovakia Polymer Research on Polyelectrolyte Structure and Dynamics

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This U.S.-Czechoslovakia research project between Dr. Eric J. Amis of the University of Southern California and Dr. Marian Sedlak of the Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice will examine the properties of polyelectrolytes in solution without added salt. Unscreened electrostatic interactions influence polyelectrolyte behavior in complex and specific ways. In this work, the researchers combine two proven methods for investigating polymer dynamics: dynamic light scattering and dynamic viscoelasticity. The combination, with overlapping time windows and unique sensitivities, should reduce the difficulties of interpreting either experiment alone. The researchers will also study the mechanism of formation of multichain domains in polyelectrolytes, with emphasis on the dependence of polyelectrolyte structure and dynamics on concentration, molecular weight, charge density, electrostatic screening, chain conformation, and solvent dielectric permitivities. This project in polymer research fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in Eastern Europe and the United States to combine complementary talents and pool resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.