Conformational transition in poly[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl methacrylate] and poly(4-tert-butylphenyl methacrylate) in dilute solutions

Temperature dependence of viscosity data and refractive index increment was investigated on two polymers: poly[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl methacrylate] ( 1a ) and poly(4-tert-butylphenyl methacrylate) ( 1b ) in dilute solution. A discontinuity in intrinsic viscosity was observed over a narrow temperature range. From this behaviour it was possible to visualize sharp changes of unperturbed dimensions (K_θ) and thermodynamic parameters (B). This phenomenon can be accounted for by assuming conformational changes of the chain in the chosen solvent in a specific temperature range. These changes can be also observed by discontinuities in refractive index increments dn/dc. In the case of 1b the conformational change disappears on addition of a polar solvent (CHCl₃).