Osmometry of high polymer solutions. I. Osmometer and membranes

Abstract

Abstract The construction of a thermostated osmometer of the Fuoss‐Mead pattern is described. The technique of preparation of bacterial cellulose membranes for osmotic measurements on high polymer systems is given. The permeability of such membranes may be controlled by growth to a thickness of 4‐5 mm., drying in contact with a stainless steel surface, and reswelling in water or alcohol‐water mixtures. The degree of reswelling required to give membranes suitable for use with polymers of a range of molecular weights is given. The factors affecting the behaviour of the membranes in the osmometer are discussed.