MOLECULAR WEIGHT AND MOLECULAR WEIGHT DISTRIBUTIONS.

Abstract

The concepts of average molecular weights, moments of molecular weight distributions and the actual distribution itself are explored particularly with respect to characterization of these important parameters. Some of the techniques which are discussed in detail include: measurement of average molecular weights by osmometry, light scattering, size exclusion chromatography, and viscometry. Examples are presented which illustrate the importance of the molecular weight distribution with respect to physical properties and thermal properties of polymers.