Polyelectrolytes

This book deals with the chemistry, physics and application of polyelectrolytes in a unique way insofar, as it combines the synthesis-minded view of the polymer chemist, with the theory-minded one of the polymer physicist. The book is centered on water-soluble polyelectrolytes and comprises a description of synthesis routes and systemization of all important classes of these polymers, a comprehensive presentation of current techniques for their macromolecular and electrochemical characterization, a survey of structure formation in polyelectrolyte solutions and dispersions and a critical outline of current theories to understand the experimental results. The book is complicated by an overview on areas of polyelectrolyte application. The book is written as a textbook stressing always the basic principles, but underlining and explaining them amply, by examples, in order to get the readers acquainted with the polymer classes involved and specific phenomena in question as well as to enable them to understand these phenomena. The book is primarily intended for graduate students of chemistry, biochemistry, physics and chemical engineering and for post graduates in these areas of science, however it should be useful also for scientists and engineers active in polymer production, processing and application as well as to professionals in the environmental and life sciences.