The Intrinsic Viscosities and Diffusion Constants of Flexible Macromolecules in Solution

Abstract

A theory of the intrinsic viscosities and translational diffusion constants of flexible macromolecules is developed on the basis of the random coil model with hindered internal rotation. Proper account is taken of the hydrodynamic interaction of the monomer units of the molecule and of inhibited flow through the chain. The theory leads to results qualitatively similar to those obtained by Debye on the basis of a molecular model consisting of a sphere containing a uniform distribution of resisting points. However, significant quantitative differences between the two theories are found.