Introduction and Applications

Question 1

What does DP and x n stand for?

Answer 1

Degree of polymerisation

Question 2

What does M n signify and how is it calculated?

Answer 2

Average number weight
(sum(Mi*Ni))/(sum(Ni)), where Mi is the mass of chain i and Ni is no. chains with weight Mi

Question 3

What does Mw signify and how is it calculated?

Answer 3

Average weight
(sum(Mi^2Ni)/(sum(MiNi)) where Mi is the mass of chain i and Ni is no. chains with weight Mi

Question 4

What does ᴆ stand for and how is it calculated?

Answer 4

Dispersity, ᴆ = Mw/Mn

Question 5

What is a homopolymer?

Answer 5

Polymer consisting of only one monomer unit

Question 6

What is a random (statistical) copolymer?

Answer 6

Copolymer with randomly assorted monomer units, no pattern associated with them

Question 7

What is an alternating copolymer?

Answer 7

Copolymer with monomer units alternating, e.g. for monomers A, B, copolymer = ABABABABABABAB

Question 8

What is a block polymer?

Answer 8

Polymer made up of blocks of different monomer units, e.g. for monomers A,B, copolymer = AAAAAABBBBBBB

Question 9

What is a graft copolymer?

Answer 9

Polymer of one monomer unit with branching chains of another monomer unit

Question 10

Why are polymers useful in the biomedical industry?

Answer 10

Able to use as drug delivery systems

Question 11

Why are drug delivery systems useful?

Answer 11

Use in drug targeting, protect drug from environmental conditions, improve bioavailability and provide control over release profile