Analysis of Polymer Dynamics by NMR Modulated Gradient Spin Echo

NMR modulated gradient spin echo method, which allows the quantification of polymer segmental displacement via the measurement of the velocity autocorrelation, requires the formulation of theoretical predictions in the frequency domain in order to test their validity. We worked out the velocity autocorrelation spectrum of the segmental motion according to the Rouse and the tube/reptation model to compare it to the experimental results obtained by the new NMR technique. The analysis of polybutadiene shows the segmental velocity autocorrelation spectrum typical for the reptation-like motion of polymer in a “tube”. The measurement of bulk water indicates a kind of Rouse motion in a network of hydrogen bonds.