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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.

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...

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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Controlled Synthesis and Fluorescence Tracking of Highly Uniform PolyN-isopropylacrylamide Microgels

Controlled Synthesis and Fluorescence Tracking of Highly Uniform PolyN-isopropylacrylamide Microgels

Published on: September 8, 2016

Elasticity-based polymer sorting in active fluids: a Brownian dynamics study.

Jaeoh Shin¹, Andrey G Cherstvy, Won Kyu Kim

¹Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, 01187 Dresden, Germany. jshin@pks.mpg.de.

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP

|July 6, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Polymer dynamics in active environments show superdiffusion then enhanced normal diffusion. This unique motion, influenced by polymer length and stiffness, could enable in vitro polymer sorting.

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Area of Science:

Soft Matter Physics
Polymer Physics
Active Matter Physics

Background:

Polymer dynamics in equilibrium media are well-understood.
Active non-equilibrium environments significantly alter polymer behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate polymer dynamics in a 2D viscous medium with self-propelled particles.
Analyze the relationship between polymer conformation, particle accumulation, and motion.

Main Methods:

Brownian dynamics simulations.
Analysis of polymer center of mass motion and conformation.
Study of barrier crossing dynamics in a double-well potential.

Main Results:

Polymer center of mass exhibits superdiffusion at short times, transitioning to enhanced normal diffusion at long times.
Long-time diffusivity shows non-monotonic dependence on chain length and stiffness.
Barrier crossing times display a peculiar non-monotonic dependence linked to diffusivity.

Conclusions:

Active particles induce unique polymer dynamics, including enhanced diffusivity and non-monotonic behaviors.
Bent polymer conformations are key at maximal diffusivity, balancing elasticity and active forces.
The observed effects offer potential for in vitro polymer sorting applications.