Mechanical Properties of Polymers: The Influence of Molecular Weight and Molecular Weight Distribution

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The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of a polymer can markedly affect its mechanical properties. While this has been recognized for a long time, quantitative studies have been relatively difficult to perform for a number of reasons. A major problem has been the characterization of the complete molecular weight distribution curve by fractionation methods because fraction collection and the determination of the various molecular weight averages of polymers is time consuming. Additionally, measurement of the number-average molecular weight, [Mbar]n, by classical osmometry procedure is often unreliable.