Light scattering photometry is an absolute characterization method which can be used to investigate the dilute solution behavior of macromolecules and the colloidal properties of suspensions, emulsions and dispersions. A light scattering photometer and laser differential refractometer will be purchased by the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University. These complementary instruments will both employ Argon Ion lasers (488 nm) with the differential refractometer used to provide optical parameters for the scattering measurements. The light scattering photometer will operate over a broad angular and temperature range and function in both the static and dynamic modes. Both pieces of equipment will be computer interfaced. They are intended for an interdisciplinary polymer program which includes projects involving several academic departments. They will be principally dedicated to research in Chemical Engineering including the molecular measurement of water soluble polymers, kinetic and latex characterization of heterophase polymerizations, and in analyses aimed at improving the precision of light scattering. The photometer will also be used for engineering education in the laboratory component of a graduate polymer course. Additionally, it will be applied to the investigation of research areas in polymer science and engineering including the conformation of polymer chains prior to degradation, the mechanism of polymer separation inside a sorbent pore of a Gel Permeation Chromatograph, and determination of structure-property indices to improve the quality of biomaterials such as those used in artificial organs.
