Polycarboxylates – Essential and Multifunctional

Abstract

Abstract Starting from a variety of monomers as building blocks, a whole range of synthetic homopolymers and random copolymers can be easily synthesized in the laboratory and many of these polymers are commercially available. Acrylic acid in particular is a convenient and versatile starting point leading to a huge range of different polymer structures generally known as polycarboxylates. A great deal of work has been published on the effects polycarboxylates provide in laundry detergents. They have a pronounced dispersing capacity for particulate soil and sparingly soluble salts such as calcium carbonate and thus they are able to counteract incrustation and redeposition of soil onto fabrics. The incorporation of side chains of different lengths and chemistry opened the field of highly efficient rheology modifiers. This synthetic development has been aided by an increased understanding of the mode of action on a molecular level. Knowledge about the interaction of water-soluble polymers with nonionic and ionic surfactants and with particles has grown significantly and is still an area of great interest. Further, recent studies have shed more light on the dynamics of crystal growth of calcium carbonate in various environments and the role of polycarboxylates and other polymers in this process.