EXPERIMENT 5

TITLE : DETERMINATION OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF POLYMER

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The molecular weight of a chemical is an important characteristic, especially for

polymers. Impact Analytical has a lot of experience and comprehensive equipment for
determining the molecular weight of all varieties of chemicals and polymers. We can
deliver outcomes to resolve issues, recognise unknowns, help manufacturing, or
deformulate items. The molecular weight of a molecule is calculated by adding the atomic
weights of its component atoms. The molecular weight of a molecule is well defined, and
its atomic weight categorises how much more massive it is.
The characteristics of a polymer are closely connected to its molecular weight. As
molecular weight increases, mechanical properties frequently get better. Every polymer
has a perfect molecular weight at which several properties (including processability,
strength, brittleness, etc.) are balanced. When discussing polymers, molecular weights are
frequently expressed as average values, such as Mn (the number average molar mass),
Mw (the weight average molar mass), and Mz (the z-average molar mass). Because
multiple atom chains with different lengths make up polymer samples, the molecular
weight of a polymer is represented as an average rather than as an absolute number.
The Ostwald viscometer, also referred to as a U-tube viscometer or a capillary
viscometer, is a device used to measure the viscosity of liquid with a specified density [1-
3]. Operation of an Ostwald viscometer is dependent on how long a liquid takes to pass
through a specific capillary at a specific volume. This form of viscometer is particularly
useful for determining the viscosity of liquids at a specific temperature. Nevertheless,
there are some limitations to measuring viscosity. This is due to the fact that the liquid
sometimes does not flow between the markings on the glass bulb indicated (1- 2) and (3-
4) However, there is a serious problem with the Oswald viscometer's capacity to measure
viscosity precisely at high temperatures.
When a polymer dissolves in a solvent, its viscosity will rise. Viscosity will increase
along with the amount of polymers present. When contrasting two solutions with the
same density, viscosity is exactly proportional to its low value.
2.0 OBJECTIVES

• To understand various method to state average molecular weight and its

derivatives.
• To understand the method of determination of molecular weight.
• To introduce viscometer as one of the instruments to determine molecular weight
of the polymer.

3.0 MATERIALS AND APPARATUS

• Viscometer
• Stop watch
• Graduated cylinder volumetric
• Cylinder 25ml,
• Pipet
• Immersion equipment at constant temperature
• Rubber ball
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone
• Acetone
• Polystyrene

4.0 METHODS

1. The methyl ethyl ketone solution is poured into a viscometer up to level A. The
viscometer (Figure 5.1) is made sure cleaned with acetone before use.
2. The viscometer is immersed in the immersion equipment for 2 minutes.
3. Methyl ethyl ketone solution is sucked to a level above B and it let be flows from
level B to C.
4. The time taken for the solution to travel from B to C is recorded.
5. Polystyrene sample is weight in weight such as 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 mg.
 6. All the samples are dissolved in 25 ml methyl ethyl ketone solution separately.
7. The dissolved samples are poured into the viscometer (repeat Step 2).
8. Then the viscometer is immersed into the immersion equipment for 2 minutes.
9. The solution is sucked to above level B and let it flows from B to C.
10. The time taken from B to C is recorded. This step is repeated for at least three times to
take the reading.
11. The viscometer is cleaned with acetone and let it dry properly.
12. Steps 7 - 11 is repeated for different concentrations of polystyrene.

5.0 OBSERVATION

Weight (mg) Time Taken (s)

1 2 3 Average
0 11 11 11 11
50 11 12 11 11
75 12 11 12 12
100 12 12 12 12
125 12 13 13 13
150 13 14 14 14
6.0 DISCUSSION

The larger the weight of the polystyrene, the higher the solution's viscosity, according
to the results that were previously indicated. As a result, the time required is longer as
viscosity increases. The data, however, indicated that there was little to no difference in
the outcomes for any option. This demonstrated that the outcome did not meet our
expectations. This may be the result of an experimental error that occurred while the
experiment was being done. We must take precautions to make sure that all of the
equipment is in good working order in order to achieve better results. In order to come up
with a better solution, we also need to make sure that none of the items we used have
expired. Additionally, in order to prevent errors from tampering with the results, the
sample must be thoroughly and precisely weighed. Before adding the solution, we must
make sure the viscometer is totally dry. In this manner, the sample solution becoming
acetone-mixed might be avoided.

The fact that the time required increases as weight is added makes this experiment a
success. This demonstrates the hypothesis that as a polymer dissolves in a solvent, its
viscosity rises along with the concentration of polymers. When contrasting two solutions
with the same density, viscosity is exactly proportional to its low value. Viscosity is
increased because big molecules signal strong intermolecular interactions. This explains
why the transition from level B to level C of the dissolved solution takes longer as more
polystyrene is dissolved. The molecular weight of a polymer is expressed as an average
rather than as an exact quantity since polymer samples are made up of a variety of chains
of atoms with different lengths. The viscosity of a simple liquid normally decreases with
temperature. A liquid's molecules move quicker on average as the temperature rises,
spending less time "in touch" with their closest neighbours.
7.0 QUESTIONS

1. Complete the table below

Sample C (gL-1) t/s r sp red

(mg)
50.00 2.00 11.00 1.00 0.00 0.00
75.00 3.00 12.00 1.09 0.09 0.03
100.00 4.00 12.00 1.09 0.09 0.02
125.00 5.00 13.00 1.18 0.18 0.04
150.00 6.00 14.00 1.27 0.27 0.05

2. Two monodisperse polymer with M1 = 10000 and M2 = 100 000 was blended. What
is the total or ratio of each sample required in the blend in order to obtain the
following parameter?
Mn = 55 000
Mw = 55 000
Mv = 55 000 if a = 0.5

Mƞ = ∑MiNi / ∑Ni
55000= (10000 x N1) + (10000 x N2) / N1+N2
55000N1 + 55000N2 = 10000N1 + 10000N2
55000N1 - 10000N1 = -55000N2 +10000N2
45000N1 = 45000N2

1:1

Mv = [(∑iNiMi1+a / ∑NiMi)]1/a
55000 = [(100001.5N1 +100001.5N2 / 100000N1 + 100000N2)]1/0.5
55000 = [(100001.5N1 +100001.5N2 / 100000N1 + 100000N2)]2
√55000 = (100001.5N1 +100001.5N2 / 100000N1 + 100000N2)
55√22 (100000N1 + 100000N2) = 100000N1 +316622776.6N2 )
2579728.668N1 + 2579728.668N2 = 100000N1 +316622776.6N2 )
 1579728.668N1 = 290825490N2

1:184.098

3. What is the relationship between molecular weight and viscosity?

The relationship between molecular weight and polymer is the higher the molecular
weight the greater the viscosity of certain substance.

8.0 CONCLUSION

The average molecular weight is used to express the molecular weight of polymers.
The molecular weight of a given compound is ascertained using the viscosity of the
dissolved solution. The viscosity average molecular weight method is used to use a
viscometer to determine the molecular weight of the polymer.

9.0 REFERENCES

Atkins, Peter. Elements of Physical Chemistry, Oxford University Press, Great

Britain, 2009

Determination of Molecular weight of Polymers: Viscosity, Osmotic Pressure, and Light

Scattering Method. (n.d.). Chemistry Notes.

https://chemistnotes.com/inorganic/determination-of-molecular-weight-of-
polymers viscosity-osmotic-pressure-and-light-scattering-method/
Libretexts. (2022a, August 28). 2.2: Molecular Weight Determination. Chemistry LibreTexts.

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Physical_Methods_in_

Chemistry_and_Nano_Science_(Barron)/02:_Physical_and_Thermal_Analysis/2.02:_

Molecular_Weight_Determination

Polymers, A. (n.d.). Molecular Weight and The Effects on Polymer Properties. Amco

Polymers.

https://www.amcopolymers.com/resources/blog/molecular-weight-and-its-effects-on-
polymer-properties

Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees &

Careers. (n.d.).

https://study.com/learn/lesson/experimental-error-types-sources examples.htm