Molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWd)
A polymer chain is formed by multiple monomers (building blocks/units). The Molecular Weight (MW) of a polymer chain depends on the number of monomers present.
Commercial polymer grades are characterized by a Molecular Weight distribution (MWd): not all chains have the same length, creating a distribution around the average. A polymer MWd impacts key properties such as the processability and mechanical strength.