Aromatic poly(amic acids): Fundamental structural studies

Aromatic poly(amic acids) derived from pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′,-diaminodiphenyl ether were characterized by dilute solution techniques. Number-average molecular weights M?_n of 13 samples ranged from 13,000 to 55,000 (DP 31–131). Weight-average molecular weights M?_w of 21 samples ranged from 9,900 to 266,000. The ratio M?_w/M?_n was between 2.2 and 4.8. Heterogeneous polymerization yielded higher molecular weight polymer than homogeneous polymerization. The molecular weight could be varied systematically by control of stoichiometric imbalance. Use of very pure monomers and solvent gave polymers of relatively high number-average molecular weight (～50, 000) and the most probable molecular weight distribution M?_w/M?_n = 2. Impure monomers and/or solvent resulted in lower number-average molecular weight (M?_n ? 20,000–30,000) and wider distributions (M?_w/M?_n = 3–5). The Mark-Houwink relation obtained was [η] = 1.85 × 10^?4M?_w^0.80 The exponent is characteristic of moderately extended solvated coils. The unperturbed chain dimensions (r₀² /M)^1/2 were 0.848 A., and the steric factor σ was 1.24 which is close to the limiting value of unity for an equivalent chain with free internal rotations. The sedimentation constant–molecular weight relation was S₀ = 2.70 × 10^?2M?_w^0.39. This exponent is consistent with the Mark-Houwink exponent.     

Light-scattering studies on polystyrenes in isorefractive poly(methyl methacrylate)–toluene “solvents”

The rms radii of gyration 〈S²〉^1/2 and second virial coefficients Γ₂ of five monodisperse polystyrenes (M × 10^?5 = 1.6, 2.8, 4.2, 6.6) were measured in isorefractive toluene–poly(methyl methacrylate) (M?_v = 4.0 × 10⁴, 1.6 × 10⁵, and 6.3 × 10⁵) “solvents.” For a given PMMA, the concentration at which the θ condition (defined by Γ₂ = 0) was reached was independent of PS molecular weight, but varied inversely with PMMA molecular weight (0.10, 0.056, and 0.023 g/mL, respectively). When this θ condition is reached by adding PMMA to toluene, the radii of gyration are decreased by only about 15%, much less than when it is reached by going to a poor, low-molecular-weight solvent. This reflects the exclusion of PMMA from the PS coils, the internal environment of which is essentially pure toluene.     

Chain dimensions and transport coefficients of sodium poly(isoprenesulfonate) in aqueous sodium chloride

Sodium poly(isoprenesulfonate) (NaPIS) fractions consisting of 1,4‐ and 3,4‐isomeric units (0.44:0.56) and ranging in molecular weight from 4.9 × 10³ to 2.0 × 10⁵ were studied by static and dynamic light scattering, sedimentation equilibrium, and viscometry in aqueous NaCl of a salt concentration (C_s) of 0.5‐M at 25 °C. Viscosity data were also obtained at C_s = 0.05, 0.1, and 1 M. The measured z‐average radii of gyration 〈S²〉_z^1/2, intrinsic viscosities [η], and translational diffusion coefficients D at C_s = 0.5‐M showed that high molecular weight NaPIS in the aqueous salt behaves like a flexible chain in the good solvent limit. On the assumption that the distribution of 1,4‐ and 3,4‐isomeric units in the NaPIS chain is completely random, the [η] data for high molecular weights at C_s = 0.5 and 1 M were analyzed first in the conventional two‐parameter scheme to estimate the unperturbed dimension at infinite molecular weight and the mean binary cluster integral. By further invoking a coarse‐graining of the NaPIS molecule, all the [η] and D data in the entire molecular weight range were then analyzed on the basis of the current theories for the unperturbed wormlike chain combined with the quasi‐two‐parameter theory. It is shown that the experimental 〈S²〉_z, [η], and D are explained by the theories with a degree of accuracy similar to that known for uncharged linear flexible homopolymers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2071–2080, 2001     

Anionic homopolymerization of ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate

Anionic polymerization of ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate (FMMA) was investigated using high-vacuum techniques. Initiators used included n-butyllithium, sodium naphthalide, potassium naphthalide, Grignard reagents (both C₂H₅MgBr and C₆H₅MgBr), sodium methoxide, and lithium aluminum hydride. FMMA polymerization was readily initiated by each of the above initiators with the exception of sodium methoxide. The molecular weight of poly(ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate) could be controlled by varying the monomer-to-initiator ratio when lithium aluminum hydride was used in tetrahydrofuran (THF). In this system, poly(ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate), soluble in benzene or THF, was prepared with M?_n as high as 277,000 with a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution compared to samples prepared by radical-initiated polymerization. The Mark-Houwink values of K and a, determined in THF, were K = 4.94 × 10^?2 and a = 0.53 (when M = M?_n) and K = 3.72 × 10^?2 and a = 0.51 (when M = M?_w). It is clear that the polymer is moderately coiled in THF.     

Molecular weight distribution in radiation-induced polymerization. I. γ-radiation-induced free-radical polymerization of liquid styrene

The kinetics of γ-radiation-induced free-radical polymerization of styrene were studied over the temperature range 0–50°C at radiation intensities of 9.5 × 10⁴, 3.1 × 10⁵, 4.0 × 10⁵, and 1.0 × 10⁶ rad/hr. The overall rate of polymerization was found to be proportional to the 0.44–0.49 power of radiation intensity, and the overall activation energy for the radiation-induced free-radical polymerization of styrene was 6.0–6.3 kcal/mole. Values of the kinetic constants, k_p²/k_t and k_trm/k_p, were calculated from the overall polymerization rates and the number-average molecular weights. Gelpermeation chromatography was used to determine the number-average molecular weight M?_n, the weight-average molecular weight M?_w, and the polydispersity ratio M?_w/M?_n, of the product polystyrene. The polydispersity ratios of the radiation-polymerized polystyrene were found to lie between 1.80 and 2.00. Significant differences were observed in the polydispersity ratios of chemically initiated and radiation-induced polystyrenes. The radiation chemical yield, G(styrene), was calculated to be 0.5–0.8.     

Unperturbed chain dimensions of isotactic polypropylene in theta solvents

The unperturbed mean-square end-to-end distance 〈R₀²〉 and its temperature variation d In 〈R₀²〉/dT for isotactic polypropylene have been estimated from intrinsic viscosity data in three theta solvents, i.e., diphenyl, diphenyl ether, and dibenzyl ether, measured at their θ temperatures as determined by precipitation temperature measurements. The characteristic ratios, 〈R₀²〉/nl², where n is the number of bonds of length l in the main chain, evaluated by assuming Φ = 2.87 × 10²¹, are 5.80 in diphenyl (at θ = 125.1°C.), 5.41 in diphenyl ether (at θ = 142.8°C.), and 4.56 in dibenzyl ether (at θ = 183.2°C.). These values lead to the temperature coefficient d In 〈R₀²〉/dT = ?4.09 × 10^?3 deg.^?1 Results are compared with the data previously reported on polyethylene.     

Properties and chain flexibility of poly(tetrahydro-4H-pyranyl-2-methacrylate)

The dilute-solution properties of six poly(tetrahydro-4H-pyranyl-2-methacrylate) (PTHPM) fractions covering the molecular weight (M _w) range 4.8 × 10⁴ to 8.4 × 10⁵ (M _w/M _n = 1.2–1.4) were studied in tetrahydrofuran, a good solvent, and in isobutanol, a θ solvent a t 30.5°C as determined by light scattering from the A₂ vs. T plot. The unperturbed dimensions were calculated from a low-angle laser light-scattering and intrinsic-viscosity data. The results indicate that PTHPM is less extended chain than poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) (PCyM). The higher flexibility of PTHPM parallels the lower T, (57°C) of this polymer relative to PCyM (66°C).     

Organometallic polymers. XIV. Copolymerization of vinylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl and vinylferrocene with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone

N-Vinyl-2-pyrrolidone(I) has been copolymerized with vinylferrocene(II) and vinylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl(III) in degassed benzene solutions with the use of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. The polymerizations proceed smoothly, and the relative reactivity ratios were determined as r₁ = 0.66, r₂ = 0.40 (for copolymerization of I with II, M₁ defined as II) and r₁ = 0.14 and r₂ = 0.09 (for copolymerization of I with III, M₁ defined as III). These copolymers were soluble in benzene, THF, chloroform, CCl₄, and DMF. Molecular weights were determined by viscosity and gel-permeation chromatography studies (universal calibration technique.) The copolymers exhibited values of M?_n between 5 × 10³ and 10 × 10³ and M?_w between 7 × 10³ and 17 × 10³ with M?_w/M?_n < 2. Upon heating to 260°C under N₂, copolymers of III underwent gas evolution and weight loss. The weight loss was enhanced at 300°C, and the polymers became in creasingly insoluble. Copolymers of vinylferrocene were oxidized to polyferricinium salts upon treatment with dichlorodicyanoquinone (DDQ) or o-chloranil (o-CA) in benzene. Each unit of quinone incorporated into the polysalts had been reduced to its radical anion. The ratio of ferrocene to ferricinium units in the polysalts was determined. The polysalts did not melt at 360°C and were readily soluble only in DMF.     

Dilute-solution properties of ring polystyrenes

The temperature Θ_A2 at which the second virial coefficient A₂ is zero for ring polystyrenes is 28.5°C in cyclohexane, independent of molecular weight in the range 2 × 10⁴ to 4.5 × 10⁵. This cannot be explained solely by the Candau–Rempp–Benoit theory, which takes into account the effect of segment density on Θ_A2 The radius of gyration of a ring is found to be approximately one-half that of a linear polymer with the same molecular weight. The intrinsic viscosities [η] and intrinsic translational friction coefficients [f] of ring polystyrenes with molecular weights ranging from 7 × 10³ to 4.5 × 10⁵ have been measured in cyclohexane at 34.5°C (Θ, the Flory theta temperature for linear polystyrenes) and in toluene (a good solvent). The results are compared with those for linear polystyrene. It is found that the Mark–Houwink exponent is less than one-half in cyclohexane at Θ. In toluene it is 0.67 compared to 0.73 for linear polystyrene. The hydrodynamic measurements suggest that large rings are less expanded than the linear polymers with the same molecular weight, contrary to many predictions.     

Unperturbed dimension of poly-N-vinylcarbazole

Osmotic-pressure, viscosity, and light-scattering measurements have been carried out on dilute solutions of poly-N-vinylcarbazole fractions (4 < 10^-4M < 230) in toluene, dioxane, and benzene. The theta temperature for poly-N-vinylcarbazole in toluene solutions has been found to be 37 ± 1°C. The intrinsic viscosity of poly-N-vinylcarbazole in toluene at 37°C is represented by [η]θ = 76.2 × 10^?3M?_n^0.50. Values of the characteristic ratios (〈L²〉₀/M)^1/2 and σ = (〈L²〉₀/〈L²〉_0f)^1/2 have been obtained as 633 × 10^?11 and 2.85, respectively. It appears that the large σ value is due to the steric repulsion between large side groups.     

Dynamic light scattering studies of atactic and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate)s in dilute theta solution

The present article considers the coil‐to‐globule transition behavior of atactic and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylates), (PMMA) in their theta solvent, n‐butyl chloride (nBuCl). Changes in Rh in these polymers with temperature in dilute theta solutions were investigated by dynamic light scattering. The hydrodynamic size of atactic PMMA (a‐PMMA‐1) in nBuCl (M_w: 2.55 × 10⁶ g/mol) decreases to 61% of that in the unperturbed state at 13.0°C. Atactic PMMA (a‐PMMA‐2) with higher molecular weight (M_w: 3.3 × 10⁶ g/mol) shows higher contraction in the same theta solvent (α_η = R_h(T)/R_h (θ) = 0.44) at a lower temperature, 7.25°C. Although syndiotactic PMMA (s‐PMMA) has lower molecular weight than that of atactic samples (M_w: 1.2 × 10⁶), a comparable chain collapse was observed (α_η = 0.63) at 9.0°C. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 2253–2260, 1999     

Molecular weight distribution and thermal characterization of polydimethylsilmethylene

1,1,3,3-Tetramethyl-1,3-disilacyclobutane (I) was polymerized under the following conditions with H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O as catalyst: (a) addition of I dropwise to a large excess of catalyst at room temperature, producing [(CH₃)₃SiCH₂(CH₃)₂Si]₂O in 90% yield; (b) polymerization at room temperature in the presence of 10% water with 23 ppm Pt, yielding 9% conversion to low molecular weight polymer after 4 weeks; (c) polymerization in an open vessel (25°C., 7 ppm Pt, M?_n = 1.2 × 10⁵), a closed vessel (100°C., 28 ppm Pt, M?_n = 1.7 × 10⁵), in a closed tube after twice freezing and evacuating (25°C., 23 ppm Pt, M?_n = 2.9 × 10⁵); (d) polymerization in an oxygen atmosphere (25°C., 17 ppm Pt, M?_n = 2.7 × 10⁵). The molecular weight distributions of the polymers with M?_n = 1.2 × 10⁵ and 1.7 × 10⁵ was studied by gel-permeation chromatography. Ratios of M?_w/M?_n are 3.1 and 2.7, respectively. In both cases a long tail of high molecular weight polymer is evident. Interpretation of the molecular weight distributions is qualitatively discussed on the basis of a postulated seven-step mechanism. Water is shown to be a source of chain termination. Evidence is presented for the existance of ?SiOSi? and ?SiOH in the silmethylene polymers. Negligible cyclization occurs. Orders of thermal stability measured by DTA and TGA for polydimethylsilmethylene (A), polydimethylsiloxane (B), and polysiobutylene (C) are: in He, A > B > C; in air, in air, B > C ? A. A fractionally precipitated polydimethylsilmethylene had a weight loss of less than 5% by 600°C. by TGA analysis at 10°C./min. in He.     

Dilute solution characterization of polyfluoroalkoxyphosphazenes

Results from the dilute solution characterization of polyfluoroalkoxyphosphazenes in Freon ether (E2) solutions are reported. Anomalous viscosity data suggest that polymer aggregation sometimes occurs in E2 and may be caused by the presence of relatively few anomalous polar groups on the polymer backbone. Since small amounts of acetone added to the E2 solutions inhibit aggregate formation, samples are also characterized in an E2-acetone mixed solvent. Light scattering and osmometry indicate that E2 and E2-acetone (9.09% by volume) are theta solvents for the polymers. High molecular weights (M?_w < 3 × 10⁶) and unusually broad molecular weight distributions (M?_w/M?_n < 16) are found. One polymer is fractionated by extracting solutions in 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane with acetone. Although the samples are highly polydisperse, intrinsic viscosities correlate with number-average molecular weights satisfying the Mark-Houwink relation with the exponent a ≈ 1/2. The z-average mean-square radius of gyration increases linearly with molecular weight so that 〈S²〉_g/M?_w ≈ 0.098. Because of the large polydispersity and unknown form of the distribution function, a quantitative interpretation of characterization results relating dilute solution parameters to polymer skeletal structure is not possible. The tentative conclusion is that the fluoroalkoxy-substituted phosphazene polymers are relatively linear and therefore that the broad distribution of molecular weights must be due to some polymerization mechanism other than branching.     

Molecular chain properties of poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide)

A series of poly( N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) samples with molecular weight ranging from 2.23×10~4 to 130×10~4 and molecular weight distribution M_w/M_n≤1.28 were obtained by free radical polymerization and repeat precipitation fractionation. The molecular weight M_w, second virial coefficient A_2 as well as the mean-square-root radius of gyration 〈S~2〉 for PNIPAM samples in tetrahydrofuran (THF) were determined by light scattering, and the relations were estimated at A_2 ∞ M_w~0.25) and 〈S~2〉~(1/2)=1.56×10~(-9) M_w~(0.56). The intrinsic viscosity for THF solution and methanol solution of PNIPAM samples was measured and the Mark-Houwink equations were obtained as [η]=6.90×10~(-5) M~(0/73) (THF solution) and [η]=1.07×10~(-4) M~(0.71) (methanol solution). The above results indicate that both THF and methanol are good solvents for PNIPAM. The limit characteristic ratio C_∞ for PNIPAM in the two solutions was determined to be 10.6 by using Kurata-Stockmayer equation, indicating that the f     

Poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenyl oxide): Characterization by gel-permeation chromatography,light scattering,and solution viscosity

Ten unfractionated poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) samples were examined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and intrinsic viscosity [η] at 50°C in benzene, by intrinsic viscosity at 25°C in chloroform, and by light scattering at 30°C in chloroform. The GPC column was calibrated with ten narrow-distribution polystyrenes and styrene monomer to yield a “universal” relation of log ([η]M) versus elution volume. GPC-average molecular weights, defined as M?gpc = \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$\Sigma w_i [\eta ]_i M_i /\Sigma w_i [\eta ]_i$\end{document}, w_i denoting the weight fraction of polymer of molecular weight M_i, were computed from the GPC and [η] data on the polyethers. The M?GPC were then compared with the weight-average M?_w from light scattering. The intrinsic viscosity (dl/g) versus molecular weight relations for the unfractionated poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene oxides) determined over the molecular weight range 14,000 ≤ M?_w ≤ 1,145,000 are log [η] = ?3.494 + 0.609 log M?_w (chloroform, 25°C) and log [η] = ?3.705 + 0.638 log M?_w (benzene, 50°C). The M?_w(GPC)/M?_n(GPC) ratios for the polymers in the molecular weight range 14,000 ≤ M?_w ≤ 123,000 approximate 1.5 according to computer integrations of the GPC curves with the use of the “universal” calibration and the measured log [η] versus log M?_w relation. The higher molecular weight polymers (326,000 ≤ M?_w ≤ 1,145,000) show slightly broadened distributions.     

Temperature dependence of limiting viscosity number and radius of gyration of cellulose diacetate in acetone

Acetone solutions of a cellulose diacetate fraction were studied by viscosity and light scattering methods over the range 12.6–50.3². The temperature dependences of the limiting viscosity number [η], the mean-square radius of gyration 〈s²〉, and the second virial coefficient A₂ were determined. The unperturbed mean-square radius of gyration 〈s²〉_o and the expansion factor α, were estimated by using theoretical relations to the interpenetration function. It was found that dln 〈s²〉_o/dT is ?6.4 × 10^?3 deg^?1, while α, is close to unity over the whole temperature range studied. The viscosity results are interpreted to show that the draining effect is not negligible and the Flory viscosity parameter Φ slightly increases with increasing temperature. It is finally concluded that the value of ?6.9 × 10^?3 deg^?1 for dln [η]/dT can be ascribable to the rapid decrease in 〈s²〉_o.     

Effects of composition on the solution properties of styrene–acrylonitrile copolymers

Short-range interactions between chain units of random copolymers in solution may be influenced by the composition or precisely by the distribution of sequence lengths of the same monomer units. Steric factors were derived for random copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile with different compositions from the relation between the limiting viscosity number and the molecular weight. Mark-Houwink relations were obtained in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or in N,N′-dimethylformamide (DMF) at 30°C. for random copolymers containing 0.383 (Co-1) and 0.626 (Co-2) mole fraction of acrylonitrile, the expressions are: [η] = 3.6 X 10^?4 M _w^0.62, for Co-1 in MEK; [η] = 5.3 X 10^?4 M _w^0.61, for Co-2 in MEK; [η] = 1.2 × 10^?4M _w^0.77 for Co-2 in DMF. With the Stockmayer-Fixman expression, these correlations become, respectively: [η]/M^1/2 = 1.24 × 10^?3 + 8.0 × 10^?7 M^1/2; and [η]/M^1/2 = 1.70 × 10^?3 + 6.3 × 10^?7 M^1/2; and [η]/M^1/2 = 1.68 × 10^?3 + 31.3 × 10^?7 M^1/2. From the unperturbed mean-square end-to-end distances, 〈L²〉₀, determined from the first terms of the latter expressions, together with 〈L²〉_0f calculated by assuming the completely free rotation, gives the steric factor σ = (〈L²〉₀/〈L²〉_0f)^1/2 as 2.25 ± 0.05 for Co-1, and 2.31 ± 0.10 for Co-2. These values of σ are close to those for polystyrene (σ = 2.22 ± 0.05) and for polyacrylonitrile (σ = 2.20 ± 0.05). Therefore, it is concluded that the dimensions of random copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile in solution are not significantly influenced by the composition. In other words, the unperturbed dimensions are not affected by a change in the alternation tendency between styrene units with phenyl side groups having a large molar volume and acrylonitrile units with nitrile groups responsible for the electrostatic interactions. On the other hand, the long-range interactions reflect the effect of sequence length. The Huggins constant and the second virial coefficient obtained from the light-scattering measurements have optimum values at about 0.5 mole fraction of acrylonitrile, where the greatest tendency for alternation seems to exist.     

Dilute solution properties of a polybenzimidazole

Light scattering and viscometric studies have been carried out on dilute solutions of a polybenzimidazole in N,N-dimethylacetamide. The data, which span the molecular weight range 2.9 ≦ 10^?4M_w ≦ 23.3, and the temperature range 290 ≦ T/K ≦343, yield the dependence of the mean-square radius of gyration 〈s²〉_LS, the second virial coefficient A₂, and the intrinsic viscosity [η] on molecular weight M_w and temperature. The unperturbed mean-square radius 〈s〉_LS was calculated using experimental values of 〈s²〉_LS and A₂. It was found that excluded volume effects on 〈s²〉_LS are very small. The unperturbed hydrodynamic chain dimension 〈s〉_η was estimated by considering draining effects. A small value of the draining parameter was obtained. Analysis of the temperature dependence of A₂ and [eta;] leads to the conclusion that this system approaches a lower theta temperature with increasing temperature. The steric factor σ = 〈s〉/〈s〉f, based on the value of 〈s〉_f calculated for the polymer chain with free rotation, is nearly unity. Most of these properties can be interpreted in terms of long rotational units within the main chain.     

Rotational diffusion of 9,10-diphenylanthracene in di-n-butyl phthalate solutions of polystyrenes by the fluorescence polarization method: Dependence on polymer concentration and molecular weight

A versatile double-beam polarization fluorimeter has been constructed for measuring the polarization of fluorescence from polymer solutions, melts, and glasses. Polarizations can be determined over a range of temperatures from ?20 to +80°C in a controlled atmosphere with a precision of ±0.001 to ±0.005 for the studies reported herein. Data collected at different temperatures for 1.5 × 10^?5M solutions of 9,10-diphenylanthracene (PA) in di-n-butyl phthalate (BP) fit a relation of the Perrin type, 1/P = (1/P₀) + (ST/_η1), where P is the polarization, T is the absolute temperature, and _η1 is the solvent viscosity. The constants P₀ and S were 0.400 ± 0.005 and (7.4 ± 0.3) × 10^?3 P/°K, respectively. Polarizations were also determined at 25.0 ± 0.1°C for BP solutions containing 1.5 × 10^?5M PA and polystyrenes at various weight fractions w₂ and molecular weights M. Rotational friction coefficients ζ_r deduced from these data showed no dependence on M from 5.1 × 10⁴ to 8.6 × 10⁵ g/mole, and a gradual increase as w₂ was varied from 0 to 0.1. It is concluded from these results that PA is an especially attractive emitter for rotational diffusion studies in nonaqueous systems, and that the abrupt changes in ζ_r with w₂ and M observed for some other emitter–polymer systems and attributed to onset of coil overlap are not universal characteristics of such systems.     

Polystyrene degradation induced by stresses resulting from the freezing of its solutions

Solutions of polystyrene in p-xylene were frozen in liquid nitrogen. No changes in molecular weight and distribution were caused by freezing solutions for a series of narrow distribution polystyrenes with molecular weights of near 2 × 10⁶ and lower. Likewise a commercial polystyrene of M?_w = 234,000 showed no change, even after 45 cycles of freezing and thawing. However, an ultrahigh molecular weight polystyrene (M?_w = 7.3 × 10⁶) showed appreciable degradation even after a few freezing cycles of its solutions. The changes in molecular weight and distribution were analyzed by gel-permeation chromatography. The results depended very much on the choice of solvent, cooling rate, and concentration. The extent of degradation was found to depend on polymer concentration in two distinct ways. Indeed, two different degradation mechanisms have been distinguished at low and at high concentrations. The change between mechanisms took place between 1.0 and 2.5 g/l. for polystyrene in p-xylene. This appears to provide a rare measure of polymer-polymer interactions (entanglements) in dilute solutions. Degradation in the entanglement region proceeded via a random chain-scission mechanism as tested by the Scott method. In contrast, at low concentrations degradation was characterized by the formation of appreciable amounts of low molecular weight polystyrene. The presence of an antioxidant (Ionol) during freezing did not change the extent of degradation significantly.