Estimation of molecular weight averages from intrinsic viscosity

The weight‐average molecular weight is estimated by an extrapolation technique based on a linear relation between the viscosity‐average molecular weight Mv and a Mark–Houwink–Sakurada constant. This method may also be used to assess the unperturbed dimensions of polymers. If the Mv data are known with high accuracy, then the straight line may be stretched to reach the number‐average molecular weight confidently. The slope of the linear plot is associated with the molecular weight distribution and as such can be utilized to compute the polydispersity index.