Multifunctional Number average molecular weight

One polymer is formed for each initiator molecule, so that the number average molecular weight of polymers or block segments can be predicted from the reaction stoichiometry. Multifunctional initiators with functionality n can form stars with n arms. 

The understanding of the macromolecular properties of lignins requires information on number- and weight-average molecular weights (Mn, Mw) and their distributions (MWD). These physico-chemical parameters are very useful in the study of the hydrodynamic behavior of macromolecules in solution, as well as of their conformation and size (1). They also help in the determination of some important structural properties such as functionality, average number of multifunctional monomer units per molecule (2, 3), branching coefficients and crosslink density (4,5). 

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