The static structure of polyrotaxane (PR) possessing a supramolecular structure in which cyclic molecules are threaded into an axial polymer was investigated. Using contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering, the conformation of the axial linear polymer and the alignment of cyclic molecules within the axial polymer in a good solvent were evaluated quantitatively, together with derivation of detailed scattering theory. The entropic origin of the stiffing of PR due to the array of cyclic molecules was also discussed.
- Hitoshi Endo
- Koichi Mayumi
- Mitsuhiro Shibayama
