COMPLEXATION OF POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE) AND UREA

The complexation of ultrahigh-molecular-weight poly(ethylene oxide) (P EG) with urea in both the solid and molten states was studied by infra red spectroscopy. Information about the temperature dependences of the absorption bands in the 3600-2600 and 1300-600 cm(-1) region on heati ng and cooling was obtained. Some conclusions concerning the interacti on between PEO and urea were also made. The formation of a high temper ature, metastable molecular complex between PEO and urea, which is sus ceptible to undercooling, was confirmed spectroscopically. Heating to 85-90 degrees C resulted in a molecular complex stable at room tempera ture. (C) 1994 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.