Scaling properties in the internal structure of dendrimer systems

In this work, we study the internal density distribution in a dendrimer or "starburst polymers" system at different generations. We have used different techniques like small angle X-ray scattering, quasi-elastic light scattering and a Molecular dynamics simulation. Obtained data, compared with the literature ones, proposed that lower generation dendrimers display an internal self-similar structure, whereas the higher generations tend to exhibit a spherical homogenous dense structure. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.