Aggregate formation in poly(ethylene oxide) solutions

Abstract

Abstract Static light scattering and viscosity measurements were performed on different molecular weight poly (ethylene oxide) to see the formation of aggregates in its dilute solutions. Viscosity measurements were carried out for PEO samples in water and methanol at 20–45°C and in chloroform at 20–30°C. Using Huggin's equation, the viscosity plots showed distinct upward curvature indicating the presence of aggregates in both PEO/H 2 O and PEO/CH 3 OH solutions The [η] values for PEO/H 2 O and PEO/CH 3 OH system were 2–4 times as large as observed for other linear flexible polymers in good solvents thus showing extensive coil swelling/aggregation. This is also apparent from the exponent a values of the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada equation. Light Scattering results using Zimm method showed that aggregation occurred in low molecular weight samples; however, in higher molecular weight samples there was a little evidence for aggregation both in water and methanol. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 2578–2583, 2006