Spin-lattice relaxation measurements of Poly(Ethylene Oxide) in aqueous salt solutions

The effect of salt on the internal motions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in aqueous solution was investigated using ₁₃C spin-lattice (T&sub1;) relaxation nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Comparative studies with short chain PEO and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether aided in the interpretation of the polymer data. Isotropic and internal libration models were used to interpret the interactions of ions with the molecular motion. It was concluded that the internal motions of PEO are affected by salt in solution, but a larger effect is found in the small molecule analogue cases.