Coacervation classification

Classification and Nomenclature. Coacervates can be divided into simple ones and complex ones based on the complexity of their chemical composition. Simple coacervates form when a compound with a great affinity for water is added to a solution of a hydrophilic molecule, causing its dehydration and a decrease in its solubility. Molecules of the same chemical composition are thus involved in simple coacervation. Complex coacervates are obtained when solutions of positively charged molecules and negatively... 

The earliest commercial application of coacervation was for the development of carbonless carbon copy paper by the National Cash Register Company in the late 1950s. More recently, the field of polymer coacervation has developed steadily so that a more refined and complete classification of coacervation systems can be proposed here (Table 1). Other classification schemes and related principles of coacervation for microencapsulation are available in the literature with illustrated examples. " ... 

According to the classification proposed in this paper (Table 1), polymer coacervation is generally observed in binary or ternary systems, in either aqueous or organic liquids. Three main mechanisms govern the process of coacervation in these systems ... 

Table 1 Classification of common aqueous and organic systems for polymer coacervation Binary systems Coacervation by partial polymer desolvation ...

If one wants a provisional characterisation — which however leads one to expect too concrete ideas — one could say that complex systems are salt-like combinations either of colloids among themselves or of colloids and micro ions whereby one has not committed oneself to the character which the system may have in addition according to the classification principle chosen in Volume II (sols — colloid crystals —coacervates — flocculi — gels). 

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