Solution properties of polyphosphazenes containing 2,2′-dioxybiphenyl groups

Dilute solution properties of four different polyphosphazenes containing 2,2'-dioxybiphenyl groups have been studied by size exclusion chromatography, using simultaneously multiangle light scattering and differential refractive index detectors. The polymers present broad molecular weight distributions and the dependence of the dimensions, i.e. radius of gyration, of the polymers on the molecular weight is discussed. Moreover, scaling laws and unperturbed dimensions have been calculated for the fractions with high molecular weight. The polymers behave as random coil chains, the characteristic ratios are in the range 12-17 in good accord with the results reported for other polyphosphazenes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.