Physicochemical Changes of Alginate and Polyacrylate Mixture Induced by Interactions of the Appended Units

Abstract

AbstractThis study aims to analyze the physicochemical properties of solutions containing the mixture of polyacrylates functionalized with alkyl chains moieties and alginate (Alg) functionalized with β‐cyclodextrins (CD). Functionalization of anionic polymers with host (CD) and guest units (alkyl chain) allow local host–guest interaction which determines discrete changes in properties of the resulted mixtures. The systems are investigated by surface tension, viscosity, and zeta‐potential measurements, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV–vis, fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies. Spectroscopic methods reveal the local changes induced by the formation of host–guest interactions in modified polyacrylates and modified Alg which explain the macroscopic parameters of solutions such as viscosity, surface tension, and zeta potential. The host–guest interactions stabilize the repulsive forces between the anionic polymers and influence the formation of intercoil of functionalized polyacrylates. The practical application comprises in crystal violet incorporation in the polymeric mixtures and reveals that dyes' properties, such as solubilization and stabilization, may be enhanced. Valuable information, related to the conformational changes generated by the particular formulations of these polymer mixtures, is obtained. The results have the potential applications in chemical sensing, molecular recognition, and the printing industry.