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Related Concept Videos

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution01:10

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

3.7K
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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Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

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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.
The number average molecular weight (Mn) is the summation of the number...
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Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

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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.
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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Moisture Content and Bulking of Aggregate01:10

Moisture Content and Bulking of Aggregate

207
The moisture content of aggregates is a crucial factor in construction, particularly in concrete mixing, as it influences the total water required in the mix. Moisture content represents the water coated on the exterior surface of the aggregate existing in a saturated and surface-dry condition. The total water content of a moist aggregate is the sum of its moisture content and water absorption.
When aggregates are exposed to rain or sit in stockpiles, they absorb moisture, which must be...
207
Specific Gravity of Aggregate01:19

Specific Gravity of Aggregate

375
Aggregates typically contain pores, which can be either permeable or impermeable. Considering the pores in the aggregates, the specific gravity of aggregates is defined in three different forms, namely, bulk or gross specific gravity, apparent specific gravity, and absolute specific gravity.
Bulk or gross specific gravity is calculated by taking the ratio of the mass of aggregates in the saturated surface-dry state to the total volume that includes both the solids and the voids within the...
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Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility02:34

Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility

45.4K
Intermolecular forces are attractive forces that exist between molecules. They dictate several bulk properties, such as melting points, boiling points, and solubilities (miscibilities) of substances. Molar mass, molecular shape, and polarity affect the strength of different intermolecular forces, which influence the magnitude of physical properties across a family of molecules.
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
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Quantification of Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate-based Micro- and Nano-plastics from Soil Using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
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Apparent Molecular Weight Distributions in Bituminous Binders.

Giovanni Polacco1, Miriam Cappello1, Giacomo Cuciniello1

  • 1Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 9, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Molecular weight distributions in bituminous binders are complex. Both diluted and bulk methods have limitations, suggesting the use of "apparent" for distributions and careful consideration of technique suitability for specific applications like aging or polymer quantification.

Keywords:
apparent molecular weight distributionbitumendelta methodgel permeation chromatographylinear viscoelastic functions

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Asphalt Technology

Background:

  • Molecular weight distribution is crucial for assessing bituminous binder aging and modifier effects.
  • Common techniques involve diluted (unperturbed state) or bulk (interacting molecules) measurements.
  • Existing calibration curves attempt to reconcile these methods, but inherent contradictions and uncertainties exist.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of diluted versus bulk molecular weight distribution techniques for bitumens.
  • To clarify the appropriate applications for each method in bitumen characterization.
  • To emphasize the complexity of bitumen molecular analysis compared to simpler polymers.

Main Methods:

  • Review and comparison of solvent-based (diluted) and non-solvent-based (bulk) molecular weight distribution techniques.
  • Discussion of calibration curve implications and experimental uncertainties.
  • Analysis of how molecular interactions affect measurements in different states.

Main Results:

  • Both diluted and bulk methods yield "apparent" molecular weight distributions due to inherent complexities and uncertainties.
  • Bulk methods are superior for evaluating microstructure-dependent properties like aging and additive effects.
  • Diluted methods are more suitable for quantifying specific molecular sizes, such as polymers or rejuvenators.

Conclusions:

  • The term "apparent" is recommended for both distribution types due to inherent measurement challenges in bitumens.
  • Select techniques based on the specific property of interest: bulk for microstructure, diluted for molecular size.
  • Comparative studies should acknowledge the limitations and specific uses of each method.