| Abstract: | The intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight of several samples of polyhydroxyethylaspartamide with differing degrees of polymerization were determined and related, according to the Mark-Howink equation. The a exponent is consistent with a random-coil structure. The average unperturbed dimensions of the polymer, the dimensions in water, and the water–polymer interaction parameter were calculated according to Flory and Fox. The interaction of the polymer with water may explain its good efficacy as a plasma expander, as has previously been demonstrated in biological experiments. The behavior of the molecule in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride solution was also studied: this solvent has a very slight effect on the configuration of the polymer, in contrast with its normal effect on proteins. |
