Meaning
Halogenated organic solvents provide the strong polar interactions necessary to dissolve chlorinated and aromatic polymers at room temperature. The volatile liquid chloroform is widely used in laboratory settings to dissolve polymethyl methacrylate and polycarbonate. It allows the characterization of molecular weight distributions without the need for high-temperature ovens.
This capability makes it a staple in quality control departments.
Polymer Dissolution
Complete solvation is required to obtain accurate viscosity measurements in capillary viscometers. Adding chloroform to a polymer sample breaks the intermolecular bonds and creates a homogeneous, low-viscosity solution. If the dissolution process is incomplete, suspended gel particles will clog the capillary and distort the flow time measurements.
Quality inspectors rely on these measurements to verify that incoming resins meet molecular weight specifications before releasing them to the production floor.
Analytical Routine
Liquid chromatography employs the solvent to carry polymer molecules through separation columns. In this procedure, chloroform acts as the mobile phase that transports the dissolved plastic through porous gel beds. The separation depends on the hydrodynamic volume of the chains, yielding a precise molecular weight distribution.
This information helps predict the mechanical performance of the moulded parts.
Storage Protocol
Exposure to light and oxygen degrades chlorinated solvents over time, generating hazardous phosgene gas. To prevent this degradation, chloroform must be stored in dark glass bottles with stabilizer additives like ethanol. Proper containment minimizes risk and ensures that the solvent remains neutral and dry.
