Bacterial Cellulose for Osmometer Membranes

Abstract

IN the investigation of the mechanism of polymerization reactions, it is essential to be able to count the number of polymer molecules produced. This implies that the number average molecular weight has to be measured. The best method is to use an osmometer, taking precautions with regard to the extrapolation of measurements to infinite dilution. Further, in order to get results reasonably quickly, the so-called dynamic osmometer is most suitable ; but the difficulty here is to get membranes which allow the solvent to diffuse through rapidly, but which are impermeable to the polymer molecule.