Determination of molecular weight of polyvinylpyrrolidone

Abstract

Abstract The molecular weight of selected polyvinylpyrrolidone samples was determined by light scattering and by osmotic pressure in methanol. The corresponding limiting viscosity numbers were also determined, as well as the limiting viscosity number of the same samples in water. The data relating to the methanolic system conform with theory and the values for K and α in [η] = KM α were determined. The data relating to aqueous solutions do not show such conformity but an unexplained dependence on the degree of homogeneity of the samples. Nevertheless some empirical constants were deduced which may aid in industrial practice in which aqueous viscosity measurements are usual.