The effect of additives,solvent type,and polymer concentration on macromolecule dimensions

An equation is derived to estimate the hydrodynamic volume occupied by a typical linear polymer molecule, knowing only the polymer molecular weight and concentration of polymer in the solution. This equation may be applied to solutions above a minimum polymer concentration. Accuracy of the equation is determined by comparing it to an established method of calculating macromolecule dimensions. Above dilute solution conditions, the volume pervaded by a macromolecule is affected mainly by the polymer molecular weight and concentration of polymer in the solution. Chain dimensions are generally unaffected by the type of polymer, solvent, or additive in the solution.