Lab Report #2: Synthesis of Polystyrene via Free Radical and Emulsion
Polymerization with Characterization by GPC
Due Date: November 14, 2008
Each team is responsible for submitting one team lab report.
Abstract:
Brief overview of the experiments, goals and rationale.
Introduction:
Should include general information on free radical and emulsion polymerizations. Should
give a brief introduction about polystyrene. Should include general background on the
theory of the techniques used (GPC).
Experimental:
Experimental procedure should be written in paragraph form. Should include the role of
each reagent used in the synthesis, and an outline of reaction mechanisms. Should include
sample preparation methods for GPC. Should include observations recorded during
experiment and corresponding explanations. Data from GPC should be analyzed
(identification and explanation of peak elution time, discussion of molecular weight and
molecular weight distribution data). Data from your GPC experiment should be attached
as appendix items.
Results and Discussion:
Should include description of the materials obtained, experimental observations and any
unexpected results. Provide a detailed discussion of the GPC results. Discuss the
appearance of the GPC traces obtained. Provide the Mw, Mn, and polydispersity index
for each sample. Are they consistent with expected values or published values for
polystyrene prepared by free radical polymerization? Discuss potential reasons for
differences between the two samples and for any differences between the values you
obtained and published literature values.
If you think there is need for further experimentation, recommend what should be done.
Conclusions
The conclusion should include a brief summary of key findings and your conclusions
from analysis of the data.
References
Be sure to reference all sources. Include any other pertinent information. Be thorough. Be
sure to show all calculations and label all equations/figures. Do not forget references, and
DO NOT PLAGIARISE
