Method for determining a degree of polymerisation of a polymer

A method for determining a degree of polymerization of a polymer, contained in a sample, comprising:

• a) identifying at least one peak of interest in a Raman spectrum of the polymer the position of which varies in direct relationship to the degree of polymerization of the polymer;
• b) preparing a calibration function based on known samples which correlates variation of the position of the peak of interest with the degree of polymerization;
• c) collecting a sample of the polymer for which a degree of polymerization is to be determined;
• d) illuminating the sample using a laser beam and obtaining a Raman spectrum representative of the sample;
• e) determining a position of the peak of interest in the Raman spectrum;
• and
• f) based on the position of the peak of interest, using the calibration function to determine the degree of polymerization of the polymer;
• wherein the peak of interest is located in a spectral band extending between 2800 cm−1 and 3020 cm−1.