| Abstract: | ![]()
Ordered structure formed in gels of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) dispersed in various organic solvents has been investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy. In a cooled gel (below −35 °C) of PEO dispersed in a 1:1 mol/mol mixture of chloroform and carbon disulfide, a uniform (7/2) helical conformation is formed, in contrast to the distorted helix present in the monoclinic crystal modification. In a low-temperature range below −65 °C formation of a rigid polymer-solvent complex is suggested. The structure of the resultant gels as well as the gelation behavior are strongly dependent on solvent, reflecting the difference in the strength of polymer-solvent interactions. |
