ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines various instrumental methods which are routinely available for the determination of polymer molecular masses. Condensation polymers generally have a broader molecular mass distribution compared with vinyl monomers. The molecular mass or molar mass and its distribution have a profound influence on the properties of polymers. When considering instrumental methods for determining polymer molecular masses, the chapter distinguishes the primary or absolute methods which are capable of determining molecular masses from first principles and secondary methods which require calibration with known molecular mass standards. Secondary methods include solution viscosity and gel permeation chromatography measurements. Membrane osmometry is particularly useful in that absolute molecular mass averages can be determined over a much wider molecular mass range than is possible for the other colligative property measurements. Applications of colligative property methods are considered by specific reference to ebulliometry and osmotic pressure measurements have been used most widely and are more likely to be encountered in the laboratory.
