Adsorption of polymers at the solution‐solid interface. VI. Polyacids on nylon powder

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Abstract
The adsorption of some polyacids, principally poly(acrylic acid), on nylon powder has been studied. In aqueous solutions at low pH the adsorption behavior of poly(acrylic acid) is controlled by adsorbate coil dimensions rather than by electrostatic effects. Less adsorption takes place from methanol solutions but the process is much more rapid than from water. Above a critical value, increase of adsorbate molecular weight leads to a reduced adsorption, the effect being particularly evidenced by aqueous solutions. Model compounds (propionic and glutaric acids) are rapidly adsorbed from both methanol and water, but give low specific absorptions. Adsorption of poly(acrylic acids) and model compounds, is reduced, but not eliminated, by modification of the nylon adsorbent through acetylation or methoxymethylation. The adsorption of poly(acrylic acid) on nylon is not readily reversible; however, partial neutralization will release preadsorbed poly(acrylic acid) from nylon powder. The adsorption behavior of copolymers of acrylic acid with N‐vinylpyrrolidone is reported, as are brief studies on some other homopolyacids. The results are generally interpreted on the basis of sorption of the macromolecules into a swollen, flexible adsorbent.