Comments on intrinsic viscosity–weight‐average molecular weight relationships for polyethylene

Relationships, as reported in the literature, between intrinsic viscosity and weight‐average molecular weight for high‐density polyethylene are in poor agreement. Experimental work in this laboratory, aimed at resolving similarly conflicting data, suggests that likely causes for these discrepancies are: polydispersity, incorrect dissymmetry correction, and inadequate solution clarification. These factors are discussed in some detail, and results on both fractionated and unfractionated samples support these conclusions. It is apparent that fairly narrow fractions must be studied to obtain a valid intrinsic viscosity‐weight‐average molecular weight relationship.