The calculation of the number-average degree of polymerization starting from intrinsic viscosity and overall rate

The relation between the intrinsic viscosity [η] and the number-average degree of polymerization Pn is a function of the molecular weight distribution of the polymer. In a polymer in which the termination of polymer radicals occurs partly by combination of two growing chains, this molecular weight distribution depends on number and extent of additional reactions such as chain transfer; i.e., it is variable. Therefore Pn of such polymers cannot be obtained from intrinsic viscosity measurements by means of an equation of the type [η] = KPna. A new method is proposed which allows the evaluation of Pn in these cases, without necessity of osmotic (or related) measurements or fractionation. The v…