The term refers to the relative molecular mass, or molecular weight, of a polymer composed of repeating ethylene oxide units. This value is typically expressed in Daltons (Da) or grams per mole (g/mol). For instance, a specific formulation might have a characteristic value of 200,000 Da, indicating the average mass of a single molecule within the sample.
Characterizing this property is crucial for predicting and controlling the macroscopic properties of materials utilizing this polymer. It significantly influences solution viscosity, mechanical strength, and drug release rates in pharmaceutical applications. Historically, precise determination has been enabled through techniques such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or size exclusion chromatography (SEC), allowing researchers to tailor material characteristics for specific purposes.
