A water-soluble interjacent complex that includes a first water-soluble
polymer and one or more water-soluble monomers polymerized to form a
second water-soluble polymer in the presence of the first water-soluble
polymer. The water-soluble interjacent complex forms a solution in water
that is free of insoluble polymer particles. The interjacent complexes
may be used to treat a waste sludge by adding an effective amount thereof
to the waste sludge. The interjacent complexes may also be used in making
paper by adding an effective amount thereof to a pulp or a forming sheet
at a suitable location on a paper making machine. The interjacent
complexes may further be used as a rheology modifier in aqueous systems
by adding an effective amount thereof to an aqueous medium to effect a
desired viscosity, rheology, or flow curve property.