ATR FTIR investigation of interactions and temperature transitions of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide) and ethylene oxide–propylene oxide–ethylene oxide tri-block copolymers in water media

ATR FTIR spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations were used to investigate temperature dependent changes of structure and polymer–water interactions in a comparative study of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide) and a series of ethylene oxide–propylene oxide–ethylene oxide tri-block copolymers (Poloxamers, Pluronics) with different lengths of the blocks in aqueous media. The observed wavenumber shifts and intensity changes of the bands of different chemical groups of polymers and of water molecules served as a basis for the determination of structural changes and interactions of polymer chains with the surrounding water molecules. It was found that both hydrophilic (ether group–water) and hydrophobic (methyl group–water) interactions are significant for the temperature dependent phase behaviour. A model for the structural changes during the temperature transitions was specified.