Macromolecules, Vol.33, No.21, 8097-8105, 2000
Hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes in dilute salt-free solutions
The universal diagram of states of hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes in dilute salt-free solutions is calculated in the framework of the scaling approach. The equilibrium conformations of these polymers were classified using two parameters-geometric: and energetic ratios of hydrophobic and polyelectrolyte blocks in unassociated states (the ratio of block sizes and the ratio of block energies). The hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes self-organize either into necklaces of hairy, crew-cut, or braided micelles or into wormlike cylindrical micelles depending on the values of these two parameters. The universal diagram of states is modified by the counterion condensation.