Intermolecular and intramolecular solubilization: Collapse and expansion of a polymer chain in surfactant solutions

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Abstract
Solubilization and conformational transitions of a polymer in dilute surfactant solutions are studied by dynamic light scattering. The polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), aggregates in aqueous solution when heated above 34 °C. A small amount of surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate, prevents aggregation—intermolecular solubilization takes place. The polymer then forms a stable dispersion of isolated collapsed globules. A further increase of the surfactant concentration leads to an expansion from the globule to the coil state due to intramolecular solubilization.