Molecular weight distribution of block copolymers by gel permeation chromatography

Abstract

Molecular weight distributions for block copolymers of polystyrene and polyisoprene have been determined by gel permeation chromatography for a series of well characterized polymers. Universal calibration curves from [η]M against elution volume and by plots of unperturbed dimensions (r_o²)^½ against elution volume have been constructed and examined. Normal-probability curves have been used to calculate the heterogeneity ratio M_W/M_N and the results compared with values from light scattering measurements and from osmometry.