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Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

For any given polymer, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is higher than, if not equal to, the number average molecular weight (Mn). The only situation in which the weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight are equal is when a polymer consists only of chains with equal molecular weight. However, this never happens in a synthetic polymer, since it is difficult to control the polymerization process up to a molecular level with accuracy to a hundred percent.

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity

Polymerization generates chiral centers along the entire backbone of a polymer chain. Accordingly, the stereochemistry of the substituent group has a significant effect on polymer properties. Polymers formed from monosubstituted alkene monomers feature chiral carbons at every alternate position in the polymer backbone. Relative to the predominant orientation of substituents at the adjacent chiral carbons, the polymer can exist in three different configurations: isotactic, syndiotactic, and...

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...

Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...

Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...

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Updated: May 9, 2026

Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials

Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials

Published on: January 25, 2012

Responsive polymers for analytical applications: a review.

Molla R Islam¹, Zhenzhen Lu, Xue Li

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Analytica Chimica Acta

|July 17, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Stimuli-responsive polymers change properties with their environment, enabling diverse applications. Recent research highlights their use in analytical sensing, biosensing, and separations, with future advancements anticipated.

Keywords:

Analytical applications of stimuli-responsive polymers Biosensing Phase transitions Sensing Separations Stimuli-responsive polymers

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Last Updated: May 9, 2026

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Published on: January 25, 2012

Application of Voltage in Dynamic Light Scattering Particle Size Analysis

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Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry

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Published on: June 10, 2018

Area of Science:

Polymer Science
Analytical Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Stimuli-responsive polymers exhibit tunable properties in response to environmental cues.
These polymers offer versatile platforms for advanced technological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent analytical applications of stimuli-responsive polymers.
To focus on their utility in sensing, biosensing, and separation technologies.
To identify future research directions in this field.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent publications (past few years).
Focus on analytical applications, particularly sensing/biosensing and separations.
Synthesis of findings to highlight current trends and future potential.

Main Results:

Stimuli-responsive polymers are increasingly utilized in analytical applications.
Significant progress has been made in sensing, biosensing, and separation technologies.
The field demonstrates a rich history with ample opportunities for future innovation.

Conclusions:

Stimuli-responsive polymers are valuable tools for analytical chemistry.
Continued research promises exciting advancements in sensing and separation applications.
The field is dynamic, offering numerous avenues for exploration and development.