Light‐scattering study of poly(hydroxy ester ether) in N,N‐dimethylacetamide solution

Static and dynamic light‐scattering techniques were used to study biodegradable thermoplastic poly(hydroxy ester ether) in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc). A weight‐average molecular weight M_W = 6.4 × 10⁴ g/mol, radius of gyration R_G = 9.4 nm, second‐virial coefficient A₂ = 1.05 × 10^?3 mol mL/g², translational diffusion coefficient D = 1.34 × 10^?7 cm²/s, and hydrodynamic radius R_H = 8.3 nm are reported. In addition, the effect of H₂O on the polymer chain's conformation and architecture in a DMAc/H₂O solution is evaluated. Results suggest that H₂O makes the mixed solvent poorer as well as promotes polymer chain branching via intramolecular transesterification. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 1737–1745, 2001