GPC/SEC Analysis with Light Scattering/Viscosity Detection
Advanced molecular insight beyond conventional SEC
- Molar mass determination in conventional GPC/SEC is based on a comparison of the retention times of the polymer with the retention times of appropriate standards of known molar mass. For polymers where no appropriate standards are available, light scattering or viscosity detection are appropriate means to derive the molar masses.
- Agilent provides GPC/SEC with advanced detection techniques to analyze your macromolecular samples and obtain absolute molar masses. Often, additional structural features of the samples can also be derived. Our experts will discuss your specific requirements and will propose the most useful analytical approach.
- One-on-one consultancy with our experts to identify the most useful analytical approach
- Application of state-of-the-art instrumentation
- Determination of absolute molar masses, independent of chemistry of solvent or calibration material
- Determination of radius of gyration as a function of molar mass (if appropriate)
- Determination of intrinsic viscosity as a function of molar mass (if appropriate)
- Determination of branching ratios
Features
How it works
Analytical techniques
Using a light scattering or viscosity detector together with an RI detector allows true molar masses of the eluting species to be obtained, e.g., for polymers where no suitable calibration standards exist. In addition, such setups can provide the radius of gyration or the intrinsic viscosity of the eluting species. The dependence of radius of gyration or intrinsic viscosity on molar mass provides important information on polymer conformation or on branching.
How to submit a macromolecular sample
In order to have our specialists perform analysis of your macromolecular samples, you will need to submit them to us. There is a simple process to follow when sending your samples to us, as well as a few sample requirements.
More information on how to submit samples can be found here.
Applications
Ultrahigh molar mass samples
Sometimes the certain fractions of the polymer’s molar mass distribution exceed the molar mass range of the available calibration standards. In such cases, molar mass determination by conventional GPC/SEC is not reliable due to elution of sample components outside the calibrated region. Since light scattering may provide the absolute molar mass at each elution volume, it overcomes the limitations of calibration standards.
Polymer branching
Branching reduces the size of the polymer coil in solution, as compared to the size of the linear analogue of identical molar mass. Size information at each elution volume may be derived by GPC/SEC with either light scattering or intrinsic viscosity detection. This allows differentiation of the extent of branching in macromolecules.
Polymer conformation
Polymers can adopt conformations of different types, including stiff, rodlike structures, wormlike chains, random coils, or globular structures. Each of these structures provides unique dependencies on either radius of gyration or intrinsic viscosity on molar mass. A light scattering or viscosity detector used in conjunction with GPC/SEC separation allows the determination of these dependencies, and thus provides insight into polymer conformation.
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Tools
News
Expanded Offerings for GPC/SEC Polymer Analysis
Agilent has acquired Polymer Standards Service GmbH (PSS), a provider of solutions for polymer characterization. PSS specializes in hardware and software solutions for gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). With over 35 years of expertise, they provide complete solutions for GPC/SEC applications to determine the molecular weight and size distribution of macromolecules.
Expanded Offerings for GPC/SEC Polymer Analysis / 02 Aug 2022
New Comprehensive GPC/SEC Solutions Introduced at HPLC 2023 Conference
Agilent showcased significantly expanded InfinityLab GPC/SEC Solution at the HPLC 2023 conference on June 18 – 22, 2023 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Agilent InfinityLab GPC/SEC portfolio became even more comprehensive after the recent acquisition of Polymer Standard Service Ltd. (PSS), including a dedicated GPC/SEC Column Thermostat, a Multi-Angle Light Scattering Detector, the GPC/SEC-Ready Kit, and the powerful WinGPC Software into the already existing InfinityLab GPC/SEC Solutions for advanced material characterization.
12 Jun 2023
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