Morphology of polyanhydride copolymers: Time‐resolved small‐angle X‐ray scattering studies of crystallization

Abstract

Abstract Synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) was used to study the isothermal crystallization kinetics of a family of polyanhydride copolymers consisting of 1,6‐bis( p ‐carboxyphenoxy)hexane and sebacic acid monomers. In situ SAXS experiments permitted the direct observation of the crystallization kinetics. The structural parameters (the long period, lamellar thickness, and degree of crystallinity) were obtained from Lorentz‐corrected intensity profiles, one‐dimensional correlation functions, and interface distribution functions to form a comprehensive picture of the crystal morphology. The combination of these three analyses provided information not only on the lamellar dimensions but also on the polydispersity (nonuniformity) of these dimensions. Where possible, the crystallization kinetics were interpreted with a modified version of the Avrami equation. The results can be used to perform the rational design of controlled‐drug‐release formulations because crystallinity affects drug‐release kinetics. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 463–477, 2005