Complex dielectric constants of aqueous solutions of nonionic linear polymers have been measured at 10-18 frequencies in the range 0.4-40 GHz at 25 °C by an interferometric transmission method. The solutes were polyethylene oxide) and poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers of different molecular weight ( = 3400-600 000) and one sample of poly (vinyl methyl ether). To the observed data were fitted a sum of Debye relaxation functions to yield the hydration number and reorientation time of the hydration water on one hand and the relaxation strength and relaxation time of the solute on the other hand. The values of the former parameters are compared with those for poly(vinylpyrrolidone) samples and for dioxane and other monomers in order to obtain insight into the effect of macromolecular size, shape, and flexibility upon the dynamics of the surrounding water.

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