Electrostatic interaction of soft particles

Abstract

Theories of the electrostatic interaction between two soft particles (i.e., particles covered with an ion-penetrable surface layer of polyelectrolytes) in an electrolyte solution are reviewed. Interactions of soft particles after contact of their surface layers are particularly discussed. Interaction in a salt-free medium and the discrete-charge effect are also treated.

Keywords: Counterion only system; Discrete-charge effect; Electrostatic interaction; Interdigitation; Interpenetration; Soft particle.