Dissipative Structure in Aqueous Polymer Solutions

Study on the rapid transport of a polymer in dextran solutions, first observed by Preston et al., is extended into two directions. They are (1) enhancement effect on the transport rate of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) by the addition of a simple salt, and (2) extension to the transport of linear polyelectrolytes. The enhancement effect was observed on the structure flow as well as on the transport rate. The enhancement effect was correlated with the densities of the solutions in the lower compartment of the diffusion cell. The correlation was improved when the rate was corrected for the differences in viscosities. We have found that effects of charges on the polymers favor the rapid transport of polyacrylates (PA) and sidium hyaluronate. Counterion condensation was manifested in the transport rate of PA. Transport rates of several salts of PA in the absence of added salt increased linearly with their partial specific volumes in water.