Molecular Weight

Molecular weight describes the mass of a molecule and, for polymers or proteins, reflects the length of their molecular chains. Unlike small molecules, polymers consist of chains with different lengths, so molecular weight is usually expressed as averages such as Mn, Mw, and Mz, along with their distribution.

Molecular weight strongly influences material properties including mechanical strength, viscosity, processability, thermal behavior, and biological function. Accurate measurement of molecular weight and its distribution is therefore essential for understanding material performance, optimizing processing conditions, and ensuring product quality.