[[Polymer Solutions]]
## Molar mass
M<sub>n</sub> (num avg molar mass): ==How many molecules are in here?==
- Uses **colligative** properties - depend on # of solute species present per volume
- Can be used for branched + linear, homopolymers + copolymers
- Gives N (# molecules), x<sub>n</sub> = N/N<sub>0</sub> (N<sub>0</sub> = initial monomers), M<sub>n</sub> M<sub>0</sub>x<sub>n</sub>
- Vapor pressure lowering, Boiling pt elevation, Freezing pt depression
### Method: Osmometry
Polymer solution separated from pure solvent by semi-permeable membrane
- Height of solution gives osmotic pressure: π = hρ<sub>0</sub>g
- Chemical potential: μ<sub>1</sub>- μ<sub>1</sub><sup>0</sup> \= -
- End group analysis
## Molar mass distribution
### Methods:
Size exclusion chromatography, Gel permeation chromatography, Mass spectrometry
## Conformation
==Is the polymer coiled or elongated?==
### Methods:
Light scattering in solution
## T<sub>m</sub> and T<sub>g</sub>: [[glass and melting transitions]]
==How does the polymer respond to changes in temperature?==
### Methods
[[Differential scanning calorimetry]] (DSC): heat flow vs temperature
## Chemical composition
==Did I synthesize the polymer I intended? Does it have tacticity?==
### Methods
UV/Vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)