Configuration-Dependent properties of the poly(dimethylsilmethylene) chain in the third-order interaction approximation

On the basis of rotational isomeric state theory, first-order, second-order, and third-order conformation energies E_σ, E_ω and E_φi respecively, are calculated for poly(dimethylsilmethylene) (CH₂—Si(CH₃)₂)_x using the Lennard–Jones potential function. With the third-order interaction included, the characteristic ratios and temperature coefficients 〈R²〉₀ and 〈μ²〉₀ are obtained: These results are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data previously reported. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.