Analysis of Block and Statistical Copolymers by Gel Permeation Chromatography: Estimation of Mark-Houwink Constants

Abstract

Abstract A method is introduced for the estimation of Mark-Houwink constants of block and statistical copolymers. The homopolymer Mark-Houwink constants and copolymer composition are required. Use of estimated Mark-Houwink constants in GPC analyses gives results which agree well with those calculated with experimentally determined constants. Comparisons between this method and those of Runyon and coworkers (11) and Chang (12) are made for block copolymers. Chang's method was also extended to statistical copolymers, and where it compared closely with the one introduced here. The use of copolymer Mark-Houwink constants as a qualitative measure of polymer compatibilities in different solvents is also discussed.