ResourceSeparations
Structure-Molecular Weight Relationships of Synthetic Polymers
12 Feb 2015The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, molecular size, intrinsic viscosity and structure all affect how a polymer material will behave. The most common tool used to investigate these aspects of synthetic polymers is gel permeation or size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC). In this application note, the structural distributions of some common polymers are compared using the Mark-Houwink plot. The data are all generated using the Malvern OMNISEC system.
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Size Exclusion ChromatographySize exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a liquid chromatographic technique used to separate and identify molecules based on their size, including polymers, proteins, nanoparticles & nucleic acid. SEC is further subdivided into gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) when an aqueous or organic mobile phase is used respectively. HPLC-based SEC systems and columns are available for analytical separation alongside SEC spin columns or filters to prep samples for many protocols. Find the best size exclusion chromatography equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.UV-Visible SpectroscopyUltraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometers are used to measure the interaction of UV and visible light with a sample, including transmission, reflectance & absorbance. The two major instrument classes are single-beam or double-beam spectrophotometers. More specialized equipment includes colorimeters, spectroradiometers and refractometers. Portable and microvolume spectrophotometers are also available. For the modular spectroscopy lab, explore a range of light sources for combination with a spectrograph/spectrometer and optics. Find the best UV-Vis spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ViscometersViscometers are used to measure the viscosity of a fluid. Types of viscometer include rotational, vibrational and falling piston viscometers. Options for viscometers include modular, portable, benchtop and temperature compensation and density measurement features.Polymeric MaterialsPolymeric materials are widely used in industries ranging from biomedical devices to packaging and electronics. Research into these materials focuses on their properties, including strength, flexibility, and degradation. Advances in polymer science have enabled the development of more sustainable and high-performance materials. Explore the best polymeric material products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.PolymersPolymers are large molecules made up of many repeat units. Natural polymers such as DNA and proteins are essential to life, whereas synthetic polymers such as polystyrene and polyethylene are used widely due to their functionality. Typical techniques for analysis include GPC, SEC, DSC, FT-IR and NMR.