Molecular weights and molecular weight distribution of polymers by equilibrium ultracentrifugation. Part I. Average molecular weights

From the sedimentation-diffusion equilibria of some polymer solutions the average molecular weights Mn, Mw, Mz, and Mz+1 have been determined in different ways. In particular, the applicability of Fujita's method, which utilizes concentration gradient values at the midpoint of the solution column at a number of rotor speeds, was examined. It appears that if the gradients at some other places in the column are also used, a smaller range of rotor speeds suffices. This method is generally applicable for determining the average molecular weights specified above.