that the poly electrolytes/polyampholytes "self assemble"
when they are detached from the molecules they originally
were designed to screw up.
Self-polymerization arising from the ionic inclusions
in their makeup. At least in my experience, they manifest
in tiny wires, grow into longer twisted and curled form (still maybe 1/32nd of an inch is the largest, approx...)
and ocassionally form bizarre nucleated hydra shapes.
I will post a tyro's treatise on PA's later.