Other standard equipment units

	We are using aPTR46refractometer from Index Instruments formeasuring the refractive index of our samples. This instrument can measure therefractive index in the range 1.32 - 1.68, with an accuracy of 0.0001 using awavelength of 589 nm. The temperature is peltier-controlled in the range 15-40^oC.
	TheAntonPaar DMA 5000 Densitometer can measure the density of solutions with a 6decimal accuracy. By making a calibration curve, this instrument can be usedfor determining the concentration of solutions. In this way we can test whetherthe samples that are filtered for light scattering experiments changesconcentration due to the filtering process. For samples that precipitate, wecan determine the amount of polymer left in solution.
	We are using aRotina35 from Hettich forcentrifugation of our samples. This instrument can centrifuge the samples atrotational speeds of 500 - 10000 revolutions per minute. This is useful for,e.g., separation of precipitating samples and removal of bubbles in veryviscous samples.
	We are using a PHM 210 pH-meter fromMeterLab for determining the pH of our samples. We have connected amicro-electrode for measuring on small sample volumes. There is also atemperature sensor to gain accurate measurements at different temperatures. ThepH-meter is connected to a computer where a homemade program can record thepH-changes in a sample as a function of time.
	We have a Termaks KB8182 incubator which canbe set to temperatures in the range of -10 ^oC to +70 ^oC.This is used for samples that need to be kept at a constant temperature. It isalso possible to place a magnetic stirrer or a shaking machine inside theincubator, for samples that need homogenizing at non-ambienttemperatures.
	In order to remove low molecular weight impurities,our polymers are usually dialyzed against distilled water. To recover thepolymer in its solid form, we are using a freeze drier.
	We have several Ubbelohde viscosimeters,which can be used to determine the intrinsic viscosity and Huggins coefficientfor dilute polymer solutions. The measurements are done in a thermostated waterbath in order to ensure a constant temperature.
	We are using a Heidolph MR 3004 Safetymagnetic stirrer to conduct our synthesis work (the temperature can be variedfrom room temperature to very high temperatures (300 ^oC) dependenton the bath which are used). The MR 3004 is equipped with a silumin topplate, and features full microprocessor control with fuzzy logic fortemperature control. This means that the unit will heat as fast as possiblewith minimal overshoot. It is equipped with a dual PT 1000 temperaturesensor for the absolute best in monitoring, heating, and controlling thesample-temperature.
	We are using rotary evaporator (or rotavap)for the efficient and gentle removal of common organic solvents fromsamples.
	We have several magnetic stirrers, ashaking machine, and a mechanical stirrer, which we use tohomogenize our samples.
	We have several scales for weighting inn oursamples.

	Equipment for thepreparation of samples for light scattering measurements

	In order to remove all dust from the lightscattering tubes and their stoppers, we are using a tube rinsing system. Inthis system, ethanol is boiled, and the vapor is guided into thetubes/stoppers. The ethanol vapor inside the tubes/stoppers is cooled down bythe ambient temperature, and condenses. The liquid ethanol then runs down theinside of the tubes/stoppers, flushing out the dust. After this treatment, thetubes and stoppers are dried in an oven to remove all traces ofethanol.
	We are using a glove box, which is flushed throughwith filtered air, for filtering our light scattering samples in a dust-freeatmosphere.
	We are using a small laser to check if the lightscattering tubes are free of dust. Dust motes show up as bright, flashing spotsof light. It is very important that the samples used in light scatteringexperiments are free of dust.

Published Mar. 4, 2011 9:03 AM - Last modified May 8, 2014 12:13 PM