Solved-Numericals

Q1. Find out Number average molecular weight (Mn) and weighted average molecular weight
(MW) for an equimolar mixture of Octane (C8H18) and Tetradecane (C14H30)?

Solution: Octane (C8H18) and Tetradecane (C14H30) have molecular weights of

(8x12+18x1=)114 and (14x12+30x1=)198, respectively. For an equimolar mixture,
and therefore,

Mn = ( + ) =

The weight fractions are given by the proportion of mass, therefore

Mw = + + = .
+

Q2. A Polymer in fully crystalline state shows a density of 1400 kg/m3, while in the amorphous
stage its as dense as water. Find out its density at 60% crystalline state?
( )
Solution: % = x 100
( )

where, :Density of specimen=?

: Density of the totally amorphous polymer= 1000 kg/m3
: Density of the perfectly crystalline polymer =1400 kg/m3
Substituting all in the above formula, we get
:Density of specimen= 1206.8 kg/m3

Q3. What would be the Number average (Mn) and weighted average molecular weight (Mw) for a
sample obtained by mixing 10 g of polystyrene (Mn = 70,000, Mw = 100,000) with 30 g of
another polystyrene (Mn = 20,000, Mw = 60,000)?
Solution: The mole fraction can be obtained from the sample masses as
10/70000
X1 = 10 30 = 0.087
+
70000 20000

Hence, X2 = 0.912
Mn = (0.087 x 70,000) + (0.912 x 20,000) = 24,330
Now, the weight fraction can be seen as 1/4 and 3/4,
Mw = (100,000)/4 + (3 x 60,000)/4 = 70,000