An approach to failure analysis of PC/ABS resins used in automobile parts: molar mass determination via Gel Permeation Chromatography

For polymeric materials the molar mass and molar mass distribution play a vital role in the determination of mechanical, bulk, and solution properties. These properties govern polymer processing and the end-use performance of a given material.1,2 Unlike small molecules, which have discrete molar mass distributions, synthetic polymers are typically composed of hundreds to thousands of chains of different molar mass that result in a distinctive molar mass distribution. The shape and breadth of a polymer’s molar mass distribution will depend on the mechanism, kinetics and condition of the polymerization, and will dictate the end-use properties of the polymer. Polymer properties such as, hardness, tear strength, impact resistances, wear, brittleness, toughness, tackiness, etc., are important in determining the successes or failure of a given material.