(302b) Polyelectrolyte Brushes In Multi-Valent Ionic Media

Multi-valent ionic media produce attractions between polyelectrolyte chains, in contrast to mono-valent media in which interactions are always repulsive. Numerous examples from our lab of this interesting and important realm of polymer science will be presented and explained drawing on data from surface force measurement, electrochemical measurement, x-ray scattering, rheology and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. Such electro-statically generated attraction offer new possibilities for self-assembled materials in polymer science.