Hydrophobic chain end of PNIPAM is critical in the SDS/PNIPAM interaction.
SDS is preferred to interact with the dodecyl chain end of PNIPAM.
SDS can weaken the association of alkyl-ended PNIPAM chains.
SDS endows the PNIPAM chains some polyelectrolyte characteristics.
The chain length-dependent cloud point can be reversed at high SDS concentration.