Conformations and Mobilities of Polymer Chains in Narrow Channels of Their Crystalline Inclusion Compounds

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Among solid polymer phases, the crystalline inclusion compounds (IC) formed between guest polymer chains and small-molecule host clathrates are unique. In inclusion compounds guest polymer chains are confined to narrow channels whose walls are formed by the host clathrate matrix, and, as a consequence, are isolated from all neighboring polymer chains. The net result is a solid crystalline phase where polymer chains are well-separated from their neighbors. This environment affords the opportunity to study isolated, yet solid, polymer chains as they conform and move in their IC channels, where they are free from the influences of neighboring polymer chains, which in bulk polymer phases are often highly cooperative and complex. Differential thermal analysis, X-ray, Fourier transform infrared, and especially solid-state Nuclear magnetic resonance observations of polymers in inclusion compounds and their comparison to bulk polymer observations should permit an assessment of the inherent mobilities and conformations of solid polymers and help us to evaluate the effects of constraining environments (narrow channels) on the same. Ultimately, an attempt will be made to spin and draw fibers from their inclusion compounds with the hope that the highly extended and isolated polymer chains will produce fibers with improved strengths because of their high extensions and the absence of a chain folded morphology when they are coalesced.