New detector for Viscotek GPC/SEC allows sophisticated measurement of copolymers, polymer blends and mixtures

Citation

(2009), "New detector for Viscotek GPC/SEC allows sophisticated measurement of copolymers, polymer blends and mixtures", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 61 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2009.01861dad.003

New detector for Viscotek GPC/SEC allows sophisticated measurement of copolymers, polymer blends and mixtures

Article Type: New products From: Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Volume 61, Issue 4

A new photodiode array (PDA) detector for the TDAmax™ gel permeation chromatography (GPC) system from Viscotek, a Malvern company, provides polymer scientists with a powerful and flexible tool for the rapid analysis of multi-component matrices (Figure 3). GPC, also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), is widely used to characterize natural and synthetic polymers, copolymers, proteins, nanoparticles and other macromolecules.

Figure 3 The Viscotek PDA measures the light intensity on a 256 diode array from 190 to 500 nm

The TDAmax is a comprehensive GPC/SEC system with an integrated triple or tetra detector array. By capturing absorption spectra across the UV-vis wavelength range, the new PDA detector provides a fingerprint of each “time slice” of the sample as it elutes from the column (Figure 4). This is especially valuable for the detailed study of copolymers, blends and mixtures containing unreacted monomers or oligomers. Measurement times are just 30-40 min, making the system highly productive.

Figure 4 The PDA detector provides a fingerprint of each “time slice” of the sample

UV detection is used routinely to identify chemically different species as they elute, and can differentiate between components when other detection methods cannot. However, a conventional system measures at a single wavelength. In contrast, the new PDA detector captures data across the range 190-500 nm, allowing users to select wavelengths of interest after the analysis has been carried out.

The PDA is ideal for analysis of the blends used to produce high performance polymers, and also the product streams from complex co-polymerisation reactions, which often contain many different components. It also has particular application in the field of smart material research, since unique electrical, thermal or photochromic properties often correlate directly with UV absorption characteristics. The information it gives can be used in both product and process development.

The UV cell of the PDA sits in the temperature controlled zone of the TDAMax™, operating at up to 80°C. Viscotek’s powerful OmniSEC™ software package allows data to be displayed as information-rich 3D images that simplify interpretation.

GPC, also known as SEC, is a chromatographic technique that employs specialized columns to separate natural and synthetic polymers, biopolymers and nanoparticles on the basis of size. When GPC/SEC is coupled with advanced detectors a range of additional parameters can be determined, including intrinsic viscosity, molecular size, and long chain branching.

To download an application note visit: www.viscotek.com/gpcpda.htm