THERMODYNAMIC AND HYDRODYNAMIC DIMENSIONS OF POLY(DI-N-HEXYLSILANE) IN SOLUTION.

Abstract

Poly(di-n-hexylsilane) is one of a group of substituted organosilane polymers which have recently been synthesized that are soluble in common organic solvents. These polymers are of technological interest as ceramic precursors and lithographic materials, as the position of the absorption band may be varied by varying the substituent. This study investigated the effect of an all silicon backbone which is highly substituted (two n-hexyls per backbone Si) on the equilibrium conformation of the polymer chain in dilute solution. Static and dynamic light scattering measurements were carried out on a very high molecular weight sample in good solvents, tetrahydrofuran and hexane. Static measurements of the root mean square radius of gyration and the second virial coefficient were also performed as a function of temperature.