Structure of flexible telechelic zwitterions in solutions

We have performed preliminary small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on a series of solutions of zwitterionic telechelic polysterene (ZT-PS) of low molecular weight, with the general formula: Br(-)Me(3)N(+) C(6)H(4) [CH(2)CH(C(6)H(5))](n)-C(C(6)H(5))(2)-(CH(2))(3)-SO(3)(-)Li(+). In addition, preliminary SANS experiments were carried out. Polymers were dissolved in non-polar (toluene) and polar (cyclohexanone) solvents. Concentrations studied ranged from 0.5% gmol(-1) to 16.8% gmol(-1). We observed small differences in the structural factors above q = 0.5 angstrom(-1) depending on the type of solvent. Below q = 0.5 angstrom(-1) there is a significant upturn in the scattering, which changes with the concentration of the polymer and the type of solvent. Complementary SANS measurements showed a clustering effect for zwitterions in a non-polar solvent. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.