Brookhaven Instruments’ BI-MwA Molecular Weight Analyzer can be used for characterizing dilute polymer solutions by static light scattering (SLS). This small and rugged instrument employs fiber optic technology to provide simultaneous data collection at seven different angles to the incident laser beam.
The BI-MwA can be used in both batch and flow modes and has three main areas of application. From light scattering data collected at different polymer concentrations, the molecular weight, radius of gyration (Rg), and second virial coefficient can be obtained thereby giving information on both size and shape of the polymer molecule. The method is absolute, requiring no calibration.
In Time Dependent Static Light Scattering (TDSLS), the BI-MwA enables polymerization and degradation processes to be studied in real time and gives valuable insight into the kinetics of such reactions. Such information can be of great use, for example, in optimizing reactor conditions.
A third application of the new BI-MwA is as a component part of a GPC/SEC system to provide much more detailed information about the separated polymer fractions as they elute from the column. In this and other applications, it is complemented by the BI-DNDC Differential Refractometer.
Instruments: