| Abstract: | The dilute solution properties of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) were examined by using the techniques of osmometry, light scattering, and viscometry. The molecular weight range was approximately 2 × 106–0.06 × 106. Since HES is a branched molecule, its properties were compared with those of two linear counterparts, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose. The branching index g was estimated to be about 0.3 when calculated from the intrinsic viscosity, radii of gyration, and second virial coefficients. |
