There is conflicting information about properties of polycrylic acid and its behaviour in aqueous solution. This proposal for an investigation by SANS that is directed at investigating the association of these polyelectrolytes and their possible collapse in presence of various added electrolytes. The study will extend previous work of other authors that has investigated high molecular mass polymers with an investigation of the low molecular mass polyectrolytes that are widely used as stabilisers of mineral colloids. The work will help provide a basis for physical models that relate solution behaviour and activity to the equilibrium adsorption of these polymers.