Nanoscale Morphology of Polyanhydride Copolymers

The microphase separation in polyanhydride random copolymers composed of 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane and sebacic acid is described. Though the copolymers are random, the monomers are sufficiently long and the segment−segment interaction parameter is sufficiently high to promote microphase separation when the copolymer is rich in one component. Solid-state NMR spin diffusion experiments and synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering are used to discern the length scales of the microphase separation. Both techniques reveal a nanostructure with domain sizes less than 25 A. This nanostructure is compared to approximate calculations of chain dimensions based on a random coil model and discussed in the context of the rational design of these materials for drug delivery applications.