Raman and Rayleigh scattering study of crystalline polyoxyethyleneglycols

Results of the study of Raman and Rayleigh scattering in crystalline polyoxyethyleneglycols (PEG) and PEG 1500 aqueous solution are reported. The conformational changes of the polymer chain have been studied as a function of PEG water solution concentration and molecular weight. Intensity ratios of the gauche and trans conformation around C–C and C–O bonds have been estimated from the Raman spectra. Moreover, from the Raman band parameters the values of the order parameters versus aqueous solution concentration have been determined. The influence of an external electric field on these parameters has been analysed. Mutual orientation of polyoxyethyleneglycol chains in the crystalline and liquid state has been studied on the basis of the angular correlation parameters obtained from the Rayleigh band intensity as a function of aqueous solution concentration and molecular weight. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)