SINGLE-MOLECULE SINGLE-CRYSTALS OF POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE)

Single-molecule single crystals were prepared from two fractions of po ly(ethylene oxide) (PEG) with narrow molar mass distribution and an eq uimolar mixture of the two fractions. It was proven that the molar mas s distribution of the single-molecule single crystals from the mixed s ample corresponds to an addition of those of the pure fractions. Well- shaped crystals were obtained after isothermal crystallization or on a nnealing. A variety of morphologies typical for multimolecule single c rystals of PEO were found and are described on the basis of the variou s known modes of twinning. The results are in agreement with the known unit cell of PEG.