Dispersity

Molar mass distribution

Nanotechnology

Polymer chemistry

Engineering

Composite material

Biochemical engineering

Materials science

Computer science

Polymer

Chemical Science

The width and shape of molecular weight distributions can significantly affect the properties of polymeric materials and thus are key parameters to control. This mini-review aims to critically summarise recent approaches developed to tailor molecular weight distributions and highlights the strengths and limitations of each technique. Special emphasis will also be given to applications where tuning the molecular weight distribution has been used as a strategy to not only enhance polymer properties but also to increase the fundamental understanding behind complex mechanisms and phenomena.

Tailoring polymer dispersity and shape of molecular weight distributions: methods and applications