K. J.

Somaiya School of Engineering

Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

CO: Name: Twisha Dwivedi

Roll No. 57

Batch: P3-3 EXTC Date:

Experiment No. 3
Title: Viscosity Average Molecular Weight of Polymer
Aim: To determine Viscosity Average Molecular Weight of Polymer

Theory:

Viscosity is an internal property of a fluid that offers resistance to flow. It is due to the internal friction
of molecules and mainly depends on the nature & temperature of the liquid.
Many methods are available for measuring viscosity of polymer solution. The Ostwald method is a
simple method for the measurement of viscosity, in which viscosity of liquid is measured by
comparing the viscosity of an unknown liquid with that of liquid whose viscosity is known. In this
method viscosity of liquid is measured by comparing the flow times of two liquids of equal volumes
using same viscometer.

Consider two liquids are passing through a capillary of same viscometer. Then the coefficient of
viscosity of liquid (η2) is given by equation

Here t1 and t2 are the time of flow of the liquids and ρ1 and ρ2 are the respective densities. And η1 is the
coefficient of viscosity of water.
For a given liquid η has a specific value at the same temperature.
Various mixtures of two non-interacting liquids viscosities will lie among the viscosities of those pure
components.
The time of flow of liquid depends on the viscosity and composition. In this method the flow times are
measured for different known compositions and a graph is plot for time of flow and compositions. The
unknown composition can be determined by plotting a graph for the time of flow and compositions.

The molecular weight of the polymer is measured by using viscometer and the molecular weight
obtained by this technique is called viscosity average molecular weight. The molecular weight of the
polymer solution is very high so the viscosity of polymer solution is very high compared to that of
pure solvent.

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

From the Mark-Houwink equation the relationship among the molecular weight and viscosity are
given below

Where [η] is the intrinsic viscosity, M is Molecular weight, K and α are constants for a particular
polymer solvent system.
If we know the K and α values for a given polymer solution the intrinsic viscosity and molecular
weight can be calculate using the above equation.

Polymer-solvent system K x 10-3mL/g

PMMA-Acetone 7.70 0.70
PMMA-Benzene 5.20 0.76
PMMA-Toluene 7.0 0.71
Poly vinyl acetate-Acetone 10.2 0.72
Poly vinyl acetate-Benzene 56.3 0.62
Poly vinyl acetate-Acetonitrile 41.5 0.62
Poly vinyl alcohol-Water 45.3 0.64
Poly styrene-Benzene 10.6 0.735
Poly styrene-Toluene 11.0 0.725

Terms Related to Viscosity Measurements:-

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

For measuring intrinsic viscosity of polymer sample, solutions of known concentrations are prepared,
the flow times of solvent (t0) and the solutions (t) are measured using viscometer. Double extrapolation
plots of reduced viscosity against concentration and inherent viscosity against concentration is plotted
by calculating the corresponding reduced viscosity and inherent viscosity. The intrinsic viscosity is
given by the common ordinate intercept of these graphs.

Procedure:
Materials Required:

1. Ostwald Viscometer
2. Stop Watch
3. Sucker
4. Pipette

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

Reagents:
Solvents:
1. Acetonitrile
2. Acetone
3. Water
4. Toluene
5. Benzene

Polymer:
1. Polyvinyl acetate
2. PMMA
3. Polymer Alcohol
4. Polystyrene

Determining the Intrinsic Viscosity of the Polymer- solvent system:

1. Select the Polymer.

2. Select the Solvent.
3. Determine the Time of flow of the solvent (t0).
4. Determine the time of flow of polymer-solvent system at different concentrations.
5. From the concentration and time of flow, the inherent viscosity and reduced viscosity are calculated
using the equations;

6. A graph is drawn by plotting reduced viscosity against concentration and inherent viscosity against
concentration.
7. Intrinsic viscosity can be obtained by extrapolating the graph to zero concentration.
8. From the value of intrinsic viscosity, the viscosity average molecular weight of the polymer can be
calculated by using the equation.

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

Observation:
(Include screenshot/s for solvent and different concentration reading/s)

Conc: Flow Time Flow Reduced Inherent

(g/dl) of Time of Viscosity, Viscosity,
Polymer- Solvent
Solvent (t0) sec
system
(t) sec dl/g
0.02 127s 120s 1.05 0.05 2.5 0.04 2
0.04 129.1s 120s 1.07 0.07 1.75 0.06 1.5
0.06 137.2s 120s 1.14 0.14 2.33 0.13 2.1
0.08 145.6s 120s 1.21 0.21 2.6 0.19 2.3
0.1 151.1s 120s 1.25 0.25 2.5 0.22 2.2

Graph
From the above graph, [η] = __________ ml/g

For (polymer- solvent system) Poly vinyl acetate-Acetone, K = 10.2 × 10−3 ml/g α = 0.72

Substituting these values in the formula, [η] = KMα

Calculation:
(Include formula)

We get, M = _____________

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

Result/ Conclusion:

The viscosity average molecular weight of the (polymer) ‘Mv’ = _________ g/mol

Assignment:

1. Name any 5 compounding agents with an example and their functions in polymers.

Ans: Fillers:
 Example: Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
 Function: Increases stiffness and reduces cost in polymers.
Plasticizers:
 Example: Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)
 Function: Improves flexibility and reduces brittleness in polymers.
Stabilizers (Antioxidants):
 Example: Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
 Function: Protects polymers from degradation caused by oxygen exposure, preventing
discoloration and loss of mechanical properties.
Flame Retardants:
 Example: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
 Function: Increases the fire resistance of polymers by inhibiting combustion.
Colorants (Pigments):
 Example: Titanium dioxide (TiO2)
 Function: Adds color to polymers for aesthetic purposes.

2. List important characteristics of an ideal polymer.

Ans:
 High tensile strength
 Good impact resistance
 Flexibility or rigidity depending on application
 Thermal stability
 Chemical resistance
 Good processability
 Low density

3. Write a note on doped conducting polymers.

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

Ans: The conducting polymers obtained by exposing the polymer to a charged transfer agent in either
gas phase or in solution are called doped conducting polymers.
Doping is the process by which conductivity of the polymers may be increased by creating negative or
positive charges on the polymer backbone by oxidation or reduction. Doping may be of two types:
(A) p-Doping: It is done by oxidation process.
(B) n-Doping: It is done by reduction process

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

CO: Name: Twisha Dwivedi

Roll No. 57

Batch: P3-3 EXTC Date: 30/01/25

Experiment No. 4

Title: Spectrophotometry

Aim: To find out the unknown concentration of the sample.

Theory:

A spectrophotometer is a photometer that can measure the intensity of light as a function of its
wavelength. Single beam and double beam are the two major classes of spectrophotometers. Linear
range of absorption and spectral bandwidth measurement are the important features of
spectrophotometers.
In Single Beam Spectrophotometers, all the light passes through the sample. To measure the intensity
of the incident light the sample must be removed so that all the light can pass through. This type of
spectrometer is usually less expensive and less complicated. The single beam instruments are optically
simpler and more compact, znc can also have a larger dynamic range.
In a Double Beam Spectrophotometer, before it reaches the sample, the light source is split into two
separate beams. One beam passes through the sample and the second one is used for reference. This
gives an advantage because the reference reading and sample reading can take place at the same time.

In transmission measurements, the spectrophotometer quantitatively compares the amount of light

passing through the reference and test sample. For reflectance, it compares the amount of light
reflecting from the test and reference sample solutions.

Many spectrophotometers must be calibrated before they start to analyse the sample and the procedure
for calibrating spectrophotometer is known as "zeroing." Calibration is done by using the reference

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

substance, and the absorbencies of all other substances are measured relative to the reference
substance. % transmissivity (the amount of light transmitted through the substance relative to the
initial substance) is displayed on the spectrophotometer.

The major sequence of events in spectrophotometry is as follows:

1. The light source shines through a monochromator.

2. An output wavelength is selected and beamed at the sample.
3. A fraction of the monochromatic light is transmitted through the sample and to the photo-
detector.

Single Beam Spectrophotometer:

Spectrophotometry deals with visible light, near UV and near IR. To acquire the spectral information
quicker in IR spectrophotometers, which use a Fourier transform technique and is called Fourier
Transform Infrared (FTIR).

Materials Required:

1. Spectrophotometer
2. Cuvette
3. Blank solution

Reagents:

1. Cobalt (II) chloride

2. Hexaaquacobalt (II) ion
3. Ferrocene
4. Crystal violet
5. Rose bengal
6. Coumarin

Procedure:

Determination of Molar Absorption Coefficient:

1. Select a blank cuvette and place it in the spectrophotometer. Close the lid.

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

2. Click on 0 ABS 100%T button, the instrument now reads 0.00000 A.

3. Choose a solution with known concentration and measure the absorbance between the
wavelengths 350 nm to 700 nm.
4. Record the wavelength at the maximum absorbance value.
5. Calculate the value of molar absorption coefficient, using the equation .

Determination of Unknown Concentration:

1. Set the wavelength to the value corresponding to maximum absorbance (recorded above).
2. Place the cuvette with same solution but at an unknown concentration.
3. Read the absorbance for this wavelength.
4. Calculate the concentration with the help of the equation, molarity
5. Enter the calculated concentration value in the given box. (Note : Should enter the value
correct to four decimal places)
6. Repeat the same procedure for a second solution.

Observation:

Table-1

Reagent = Rose Bengal max = 560nm

Path length = 1 cm

Sample No. Concentration in Concentration Absorbance 

ppm in moles/lit
1 974 0.001 0.2382 A 238.2
2 1948 0.002 0.4764 A 238.2
3 2922 0.003 0.7146 A 238.2
4 3896 0.004 0.9529 A 238.2
5 4870 0.005 1.1911 A 238.2
Unknown 46752 0.048 11.4343 A 238.2

Average = 238.2

Calculations:
The molar absorption coefficient  was calculated for all absorbance maxima of the test
substance. The formula for this calculation is

Where A = Absorbance of sample,

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)
 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

ci = concentration of sample,
d = cell path length.

Result:

1. Concentration of unknown (from graph) =

2. Concentration of unknown (by calculation) =
3. Slope of graph =

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)

 K. J. Somaiya School of Engineering
Department of Science and Humanities
Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Subject: Engineering Chemistry

EC Sem-II (2024- 25)