Field-gradient NMR diffusometry in poly(ethylene oxide) melts confined to nanoscopic pores of solid methacrylate matrices

Depending on the choice of matrix constituents, the diameters of strands of linear, monodisperse poly(ethylene oxide) confined to nanoscopic pores of cross-linked methacrylate matrices can be varied considerably. The samples were characterized by DSC, TEM, SEM and fringe field-gradient NMR diffusometry with respect to the strand diameter. A formalism evaluating diffusive spin echo attenuation curves based on the tube/reptation model allows the determination of the strand diameter. Values in the range 8–58 nm were found in accordance with TEM and SEM micrographs of shadow-cast freeze-fractured surfaces of the samples.