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Determination of Molecular Weight by Laser Scattering (CAT#: STEM-ST-0166-YJL)

Introduction

The necessity to measure molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of polymers arises from the importance of molecular weight in controlling the mechanical properties of polymers and its large influence on manufacturing and processing. The methods used to determine molecular weight are numerous and include end group analysis; membrane osmometry; intrinsic viscosity; light scattering; size exclusion chromatography (SEC); colligative properties (e.g., ebulliometry, cryoscopy, and vapor pressure osmometry); and ultracentrifuge. They cover weights ranging from <10 × 103 (end group analysis method) to < 40 × 106 (Ultracentrifuge method).




Principle

Laser scattering method is a commonly used material detection method, which uses a laser beam to irradiate the sample, and analyzes the physical and chemical properties of the sample by detecting the intensity and direction of the scattered light from the sample. This method has the advantages of non-contact, high sensitivity, and high resolution, and is widely used in materials science, biomedicine, and environmental monitoring.
The detection principle of the laser scattering method is based on the scattering phenomenon of light. When the laser beam hits the surface of the sample, part of the light will be scattered in all directions, forming scattered light. The intensity and direction of these scattered light are related to the physical and chemical properties of the sample, so the properties of the sample can be analyzed by detecting the characteristics of the scattered light.

Applications

Laser light scattering (LLS) is used to determine size of various particles including proteins, polymers, micelles and nanoparticles.

Procedure

1. Sample preparation
2. Measurement by scattering detection instrument
3. Data analysis

Materials

Laser Light Scattering Instrument