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Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution01:10

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

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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.
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Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity01:26

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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...
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Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

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Unlike small molecules with definite molecular weights, polymers are a mixture of individual polymer chains of varying lengths, each with a unique molecular weight.  So, the molecular weight of a polymer is expressed as an average value based on the average size of the polymer chains. The two most common forms of averages used for polymers are the number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight.
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Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

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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...
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Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers01:24

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Copolymers are the products obtained from the polymerization of multiple monomer species. So, in a polymer chain itself, there can be multiple repeating units that come from different monomers. The process of synthesizing a polymer from different monomer species is called copolymerization. When two monomers are involved, the polymer is known as a bipolymer. Polymers with three and four monomers are termed terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the copolymerization of...
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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.
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STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR THE POLYMERS INDUSTRY.

Walter G McDonough1, Sara V Orski1, Charles M Guttman1

  • 1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD.

Conference Proceedings. Society of Plastics Engineers. Technical Conference
|July 22, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for accurate scientific measurements. This paper reviews polymer SRMs, their history, and future development needs for industry.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Metrology

Background:

  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) supplies well-characterized materials for scientific and industrial applications.
  • Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) are crucial for instrument calibration, method validation, and ensuring data comparability.
  • SRMs are certified for specific chemical compositions or physical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a historical overview of polymer-based Standard Reference Materials (SRMs).
  • To discuss the current state and applications of polymer SRMs.
  • To identify challenges and opportunities in developing new polymer SRMs for industrial measurement needs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of historical development of polymer SRMs.
  • Analysis of current applications and limitations of existing polymer SRMs.
  • Exploration of emerging industrial measurement challenges requiring new standards.

Main Results:

  • Polymer SRMs have evolved significantly, supporting various analytical techniques.
  • Current polymer SRMs address specific industrial needs but gaps remain.
  • Technological advancements present opportunities for novel polymer SRM development.

Conclusions:

  • Continued development of polymer SRMs is essential for advancing industrial measurement capabilities.
  • Collaboration between NIST and industry is key to addressing future standardization challenges.
  • New polymer SRMs will enhance accuracy, reliability, and comparability in polymer characterization.