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Updated: Nov 18, 2025

MALDI-ToF MS Method for the Characterization of Synthetic Polymers with Varying Dispersity and End Groups
Published on: October 3, 2025
Tailoring polymer dispersity and shape of molecular weight distributions: methods and applications
Richard Whitfield1, Nghia P Truong1, Daniel Messmer1
1Laboratory of Polymeric Materials , Department of Materials , ETH Zurich , Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 , Zurich 8093 , Switzerland .
Abstract:
The width and shape of molecular weight distributions can significantly affect the properties of polymeric materials and thus are key parameters to control. This mini-review aims to critically summarise recent approaches developed to tailor molecular weight distributions and highlights the strengths and limitations of each technique. Special emphasis will also be given to applications where tuning the molecular weight distribution has been used as a strategy to not only enhance polymer properties but also to increase the fundamental understanding behind complex mechanisms and phenomena.
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