Functional Characterization of Hydroxy-Polybutadienes

Abstract

Analysis of hydroxyl functionalized polymers requires accurate knowledge of both molecular weight and functionality distributions. Usual average characterization such as viscosity (Brookfield and hydroxyl equivalent of the whole polymer, are not sufficient to represent product quality. Size exclusion chromatography, even with dual detection, is also limited in its capacity to characterize this type of macromolecules consequently their mechanical behaviour. Separation according to functionally has been achieved using stepwise elution from silica gel. the various problems encountered during analysis and the data finally obtained on HTPB using infrared spectroscopy are discussed.