3D structure of dendritic and hyper-branched macromolecules by X-ray diffraction

The atomic ordering in dendritic and hyper-branched macromolecules has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The approach of the atomic pair distribution function technique has been used due to the lack of 3D periodicity in these polymeric materials. Dendrimers are found to possess a semi-regular structure riddled with nanosize cavities. The cavities are joined into channels connecting dendrimer's surface and core. In contrast, hyper-branched polymers are rather irregular at the atomic scale and with less accessible interior.

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